IRVINE, Calif. - Four Concordia seniors were honored before taking the court one last time at home on Monday night.  

Tim Adetukasi, Kobe Sanders, Javier Gallardo and Jonah Tolmaire were all recognized for their contributions along with the graduating members of the CUI women's basketball team before the men's contest against Hawai'i Pacific.

An inspired effort saw CUI go on a 9-2 run early to jump ahead 13-11.  But HPU wound up shooting 43 percent from the floor in the first half and took a 28-23 lead in to the halftime break.

HPU did a good job on the boards and wound up with 12 offensive rebounds while nearly doubling up CUI on the glass. Both teams shots extremely well from the free throw line (CUI made 15-of-18 freebies) but the extra opportunities the Sharks converted on their end were tough to swallow.

Connor Gleason came alive down the stretch with eight straight points but the Golden Eagles ran out of time to complete the comeback as the Sharks held on for a 68-59 win.

Dybala led CUI with 12 points in a balanced attack. Sophomore Jackson Tucker and Gleason each added 11 points. Adetukasi chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds.

"Our men are doing so many things right, but we continue to struggle making layups and wide open shots," admitted CUI head coach Ken Ammann. "We are playing extremely hard - but we have to find a way to get out of our own heads and score the ball."

CUI still has a chance to catch Azusa Pacific for the sixth and final spot in the upcoming PacWest Conference Tournament.

CUI needs to win its last two games at APU and at Westmont to have a chance to qualify for the bracket.

CLICK HERE for the updated PacWest men's basketball standings

CUI should actually be rooting for the Sharks on Thursday when Hawaii Pacific visits APU.  The Golden Eagles will then visit Azusa this Saturday, Feb. 24 as part of a doubleheader with the women's teams. Two losses by the Cougars would move the CUI men into the sixth spot entering the last week of the regular season. 

The CUI women are currently the six seed in the projected women's bracket after Monday's action.

CLICK HERE for the updated CUI men's basketball schedule