IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine basketball team had quite the task on Friday afternoon. The Eagles opened up PacWest Conference play on the road against No. 19 Point Loma to open up a home-and-away weekend series.

CUI's Dominic Hovasse poured in a game-high 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, and freshman Mac Stodart provided 15 points, but the undermanned Eagles were unable to dig out of an early hole and fell 94-73.

The Sea Lions jumped out to a 13-0 lead after the opening tip and the Green and Gold had to regroup quickly. CUI scored seven straight to level the early storm, but Point Loma was able to keep the visitors at bay. CUI trailed by 14 at halftime, 46-32.

While Stodart did most of his damage in the first half, Hovasse scored 15 of his 24 points after intermission. Dayshone Henry, who was recently named the Southern California PacWest Player of the Week added 14 points and five rebounds for the Eagles.

"We were short a few bodies tonight but that was not an excuse for how we didn't play well enough to be in the game," said CUI head coach Ken Ammann. "We need to play much better tomorrow."

CUI freshmen TJay Lowery and Connor Gleason each scored their first baskets as Eagles.  Lowery converted a fast-break layup in the second half and Gleason also drained a three-pointer off an assist from fellow freshman Drew Ramirez. Ramirez also made a trey and chipped in with five points and two assists.

It's a quick turn around as both teams will get a rematch in less than 24 hours. Concordia hosts Point Loma on Saturday at 5 p.m. following the women's rematch at 2 p.m. in CU Arena.

Both Saturday games will be live streamed and live stats will be provided, although no fans are allowed due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

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