LA MIRADA, Calif. - Two late surges by Concordia University Irvine at the end of both halves on Wednesday night gave the Golden Eagles a great chance to pull off a comeback at Biola in the PacWest Conference opener for both teams.

CUI clawed back from a 12-point deficit in the final six minutes and had a chance to tie the game in the final minute of action but it was the Red and Black that escaped with an 81-75 win.

Connor Gleason had a good look at a three-pointer with CUI 78-75 with about eight seconds left in regulation but it was not meant to be.

Jaden Henderson scored a season-high 27 points and pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds to lead the CUI offense. Henderson shot 50 percent from the floor on 11-of-22 shooting. His repertoire was on full display as he drove to the rim, hit tough fadeaway jumpers and added a couple treys for good measure.

Jayce Catchings contributed 16 points and eight rebounds and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Joseph Locandro helped out with 10 points off the bench on 4-of-5 shooting and Gleason added eight points.

CUI had a whopping 16 offensive rebounds which helped them get a bunch of second-chance points to stay in the contest.  On the flip side, the Golden Eagles only had eight assists on 30 made field goals.

A 13-4 run by coach Ken Ammann's squad helped CUI climb out of another double-digit deficit at the end of the first half. Concordia drew within 45-42 as the two teams went to the halftime locker room. 

It's important to note that both Biola and Concordia have been in the D2SIDA West Regional rankings during the first month of the season. So this game could have added importance down the line as both schools are off to good starts on the basketball floor.

Next up for the Golden Eagles are two tough home games against their rivals from Azusa Pacific and Point Loma.  

CUI hosts APU on Wednesday, Dec 11 at 7 p.m. and then welcomes the nationally-ranked Sea Lions next Saturday, Dec 14 at 7 p.m.  Both those nights are part of conference doubleheaders with the women's basketball teams playing first inside CU Arena at 5 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's basketball schedule