IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine men's basketball team faced off against the #5 ranked team in the nation and played the Coyotes until the last-second buzzer.

To start the game, the Golden Eagles, unfortunately, dug themselves a pretty big hole. The Yotes flexed their muscles, going on a 2-15 run, and built up a substantial lead. Trying to claw back into the game, the Golden Eagles would cut into the lead just slightly going into the half with the Yotes up 36-25 at the half.

Returning from the half, the Golden Eagles handled the rest of the game, running good sets and playing solid defense on the Yotes. Fast forwarding to the last 10 minutes in the second half, CUI's team looked fierce on defense. With two Yotes starters fouling out in those minutes, hitting two huge threes down the stretch, and just wanting to compete is what this Golden Eagles team has done all season.

With two minutes left in the game, Connor Gleason hit a clutch three to get the Golden Eagles within five points. CUI got a stop on the next defensive possession, and BANG, another huge three from true freshman Kaden Minter with 22 seconds left. The comeback was just a little short, but the Golden Eagles will hold their heads high going into Thanksgiving day, only losing to a top-five nationally ranked team by four points with a final game score of 68-64.

To follow for more men's basketball after the Thanksgiving break, CLICK HERE to view their full schedule.