Irvine, Calif. - The Concordia Irvine Golden Eagles delivered another statement win on Saturday night, outlasting Azusa Pacific 80–76 in a tightly contested PacWest matchup at CU Arena. With the game trading nine lead changes and neither side backing down, CUI's composure down the stretch powered the Eagles to 5–3 overall and a perfect 2–0 start in conference play.
CUI's dynamic backcourt set the tone from the opening tip. Marcellus Edwards was nearly unstoppable, pouring in 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting while adding six rebounds and five steals, constantly disrupting APU's flow. Right alongside him, MaCarhy Morris delivered a clinical offensive performance, scoring 20 points, hitting three triples, and knocking down every free throw in the clutch. Their combined 42 points provided the backbone of the Golden Eagles' attack.
CUI's balance was equally important. Kaden Minter chipped in 12 points, Nick Corbett and Radek Homer each battled on the glass for four rebounds, and the Golden Eagles' bench supplied timely production—highlighted by Kevin Haupt's eight points on efficient shooting. In all, CUI shot 52.5% from the field, created 19 fast-break points, and turned Azusa Pacific's mistakes into 17 points off turnovers.
Azusa Pacific pushed hard behind a big night from EJ Bryson (22 points, 8 rebounds), but CUI repeatedly answered in key moments. The Golden Eagles controlled the first half 37–29, then held off APU's late run with tough defense, smart shot-making, and a perfect 3-for-3 showing from Morris at the line in the final minutes.
In front of a loud CU Arena crowd, Concordia once again showed poise in a high-pressure early-season test. With consecutive PacWest victories and momentum building, the Golden Eagles continue to look like one of the conference's most dangerous rising teams.
NEXT UP:
Next up, the Golden Eagles turn their attention to a Dec. 15 PacWest matchup against Dominican at CU Arena, where CUI will look to keep its momentum rolling in front of the home crowd. Tip off at 3:15 directly following the women's game.
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