IRVINE, Calif. – The effort was there but the shots just wouldn't fall for Concordia in Saturday's contest with Fresno Pacific University.

The Golden Eagles outscored the Sunbirds by two in the second stanza. However, FPU was able to build a double-digit lead before halftime and fend off the home team's charge before the final buzzer.

Concordia shot a solid 53 percent in the second half but Fresno Pacific countered that by shooting 54 percent over the course of the whole game. CUI shot just 25 percent in the first half despite showing improvement on the defensive end.

Bryce Fitzgerald led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 22 points.  He also collected a team-best seven rebounds.  Lance Coleman II contributed 13 points and five boards while Alpha Okoli came on strong in the second half and finished with ten points.

"The guys tried to do what we asked them to do to improve things on both ends (of the court)," said CUI head coach Ken Ammann. "The result didn't change because we need to have better shot selection. We moved the ball way better but our understanding is still really poor of what a good shot is. We were significantly more physical on the defensive end, which is a big step for us but it was not enough to keep them from scoring."

Point guard Kobe Sanders handed out six assists.  Jackson Tucker and Cameron Fini combined for 10 points as well.

SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) rep Connor Gleason knocked down two free throws and Matthew Brookins made a field goal in the second half to help the cause, but Fresno Pacific secured an 81-63 victory.

Concordia looks to bounce back quickly on Monday, Dec. 19 in a rare weekday matinee. The Golden Eagles host the Holy Names University Hawks at 3:00 p.m. following the women's game at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon.

Coleman II enters Monday's clash ranked second in the entire PacWest Conference in scoring at 21.1 points per game just behind Point Loma's Kaden Anderson.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's basketball schedule