IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia Eagles were within striking distance against their rivals from Biola on Friday evening.

Unfortunately, it was the visiting Eagles who were able to pull away for the first victory of the series this weekend between the two schools separated by less than an hour drive. Biola ultimately prevailed, 94-78.

Concordia shot the ball extremely well. In fact, the Green and Gold finished the game shooting 55 percent from the field and 48 percent from downtown.

The problem was Biola shot even better - at a 61 percent clip from the floor.

Two freshmen for Concordia emerged as key contributors during Friday's contest. Mac Stodart showed a pension for timely passes and racked up a team-high and career-best 16 points. Drew Ramirez also showed some good chemistry with Stodart on pick-and-pop opportunities and caught fire in the second half. Ramirez canned four treys to finish with a career-high 12 points and also led CUI with a career-high four assists. Stodart also handed out three assists which is the most he has had this season.

Redshirt junior Kayle Knuckles added 12 points with a pair of treys as well.

CUI struggled to find a rhythm in the second half because Biola seemed to always have an answer when the host Eagles were threatening to go on a run. 

The Green and Gold will visit Biola on Saturday for the rematch. The women's contest begins at 5 p.m. with the men's rematch to tip off at 7 p.m.

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