SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For the first time in nine months, a Concordia University Irvine team played a game against another school. And what a game it was.

The CUI men's basketball team opened up its 2020-21 season Friday night in an exhibition at Westmont College and it was a thriller. The two teams needed double overtime to settle the score, and the Eagles ultimately prevailed 101-99.

The final result won't count in the regular season standings for the Eagles. But make no mistake, this game mattered.

After months of adapting to online classes, COVID-19 protocols and precautions, testing, and new workout routines, the Eagles were given the opportunity to play their former GSAC foes in Santa Barbara. 

"Our guys were so grateful to have the chance to play and we get what's going on around us," said CUI head coach Ken Ammann. "Sometimes it feels weird to even have a game but we worked really hard and they deserve it. Our administration worked so hard to find a way (for us) to compete in a safe way. Happy we had this opportunity and what a game it was."

The two teams apparently enjoyed playing so much, they didn't want to stop. CUI battled back from a 13-point deficit to take the lead only to see Westmont hit a late three-pointer to force overtime.

Andrew Ammann sank two clutch treys in the first extra period before the Warriors pushed the contest to double overtime. Darius Lee then scored six clutch points to help the Eagles fend off their opponents and notch the victory. Ammann finished with a career-high 11 points and Lee totaled 19.

But it was a total team effort. A lot of new faces excelled in their first game in uniform for the Green and Gold as well.

Dominic Hovasse led the Eagles in scoring with 28 points and was a thorn in the side of the Warriors.  He was able to convert on a number of hook shots in the paint and displayed a nifty feel for finding the bottom of the net. Fellow newcomer Dayshone Henry added 11 of his 18 points in the first half and made his presence felt with a number of strong moves in the paint.

With CUI trailing after the break, Henry came up with a steal and a breakaway dunk to fire up the Eagles midway through the second half.  After the junior rocked the rim, CUI was within 64-56. It set off a 10-4 run for CUI as Henry made two free throws the next trip down, followed by treys by Austin Clarke (8 points) and Kayle Knuckles (7 points) which cut the deficit to 68-64.

A few dribbles later, Lee threw a dart inside to freshman Mac Stodart (7 points). Lee then muscled his way for a layup to give CUI its first lead of the second half, 72-70. The Louisiana native was very proud of how the entire team rose to the occasion under such unorthodox circumstances.

"That game was absolutely crazy honestly, but it showed a whole lot of grit," said Lee. "We came together and all of our players stepped up when we needed it. From Drew hitting the two big threes, Dom carrying (us) during the second half, Dayshone attacking early, and then I came in at the end and finished strong. It was a great feeling winning the game. It was very tough, but we pulled it out."

"I've been fortunate to have some thrilling comeback wins and this one is up there," added Coach Ammann.  "I can think of like two other games in 20 years this one compares with and Westmont is an amazing team that knows how to win. That's another thing that makes this win so special. That's a polished team that's got almost everyone coming back and Westmont is a storied program that's had countless good seasons. It was pure guts, all the credit to our guys winning that game on pure competitive spirit. I'm so proud of them."

CUI plans to face Pepperdine in another exhibition on Wednesday, Dec. 16 on the road.

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