IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia Golden Eagles collected their first PacWest Conference victory of the season on Saturday by overcoming a talented Academy of Art squad in a tightly-contested matchup.
The Urban Knights entered the week ranked No. 21
in the National D2SIDA poll and sat second in the D2 west regional rankings as well.
The Golden Eagles rose to the challenge and outrebounded ART U by ten to stop their five-game losing streak. CUI also had four different players hit at least one timely three-pointer to fend off the frisky Urban Knights.
Lance Coleman II smoothly led the way on offense with 31 points and a season-high 10 rebounds. He knocked down 10 of his 16 shots, three treys and went 8-for-11 at the free throw line.
Coleman II and
Bryce Fitzgerald each hit a three-pointer during a crucial 8-0 run late in the game to seal the 77-71 victory for Concordia.
Jonah Tolmaire gave his team a burst of energy and finished a +12 in a season-high 20 minutes of action. He forced a turnover quickly after checking into the game and also knocked down two clutch free throws down the stretch. On one of the most entertaining plays of the game, Tolmaire whipped a dazzling dime to the corner for a trey by
Freddie Dybala that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
"We told ourselves, just go out there and have fun and just play together and I think that showed on the court and on the scoreboard," said Coleman II. "I think Jonah really provided a big spark and the energy he brings is great for the team and everyone fed off of that."
Dybala would also go on to have a solid all-around game with nine points, nine rebounds and four assists. One of his dimes went to Fitzgerald on that late three that gave his squad a huge lift.
Fitzgerald hit a season-high three shots from behind the arc and finished with 15 points and six boards. Meanwhile,
Kobe Sanders handed out a season-best eight assists and CUI as a team had assists on 16 of 22 made field goals.
It was a breakthrough effort for a squad that was coming off
a heart-breaking loss to Dominican in the conference opener just two days ago.
"We are really proud of how our guys competed hard against a talented team," said CUI head coach
Ken Ammann. "Multiple guys stepped up when they were called upon and made plays for their team."
"I feel like we came together as a team and really played hard," added Fitzgerald. "I'm extremely proud of our team."
Despite facing tenacious defenders on opposing teams, Coleman II is now averaging 23.4 points and shooting a blistering 26-for-56 (46 percent) on threes this season.
The Golden Eagles will play their next two games on the road. On deck is a date with preseason conference favorite Azusa Pacific on Wednesday evening before a trip to Biola on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Concordia returns home in two weeks on Saturday, Dec. 17 against Fresno Pacific. That men's game tips off at 7:30 p.m. following the women's basketball game at 5 p.m.
CLICK HERE for the updated CUI men's basketball schedule
