BELLINGHAM, Wash. – It's not over until it's over.

That's what the Concordia University Irvine men's basketball team reminded the host Vikings on Friday night as the two teams squared off.

Western Washington opened up a 22-point advantage after leading by 18 at halftime. However, the visiting Eagles trimmed that lead thanks to a 20-6 run midway through the second period.

Newly minted PacWest Player of the Week Wayne Arnold poured in 24 points and went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line to lead the Eagles.  Joshua Caston added 18 points and a couple steals.

Arnold rattled off nine straight points during that 20-6 run to get the Green and Gold going in the right direction.  After a Caston triple and a Rodrick McCobb three cut the deficit to 59-50, the teams traded baskets for a few minutes.

A dunk by Kayle Knuckles brought CUI within seven and then two free throws converted by Arnold made it just a four-point ball game with just under eight minutes to play.

The Eagles worked their way back into the contest but WWU was able to fend off the Eagles the last few minutes and hang on for an 87-77 victory.

Knuckles pulled down a team-best nine rebounds and McCobb contributed 14 points and five boards.

Concordia pulled 14 offensive rebounds and scored 22 points off of WWU's 14 turnovers.

The Eagles face Seattle Pacific on Saturday evening at 5 p.m. in what will be a neutral game hosted by Western Washington to close out the weekend trip up to the Pacific Northwest.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's basketball schedule