IRVINE, Calif. – In a season full of statement victories, the Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team stunned another PacWest Conference foe with a huge win on its home court on Thursday.
CUI held first-place Vanguard University to under 50 points and handed the Lions their first loss in league play with an impressive 61-49 victory. The win also snapped the Lions seven-game winning streak.
Genesis Hopkins hauled in a game-high 14 rebounds and five blocks to help put her imprint on a great defensive effort by the entire Golden Eagles squad.
Freshman
Asia Darcuiel poured in 22 points to tie her career-high for the third time this season. She shot 9-for-14 from the floor and made four of her five free throws.
Camryn Kiernan added 12 points and sank a pair of treys to help the Concordia effort. One of the highlights of the game came in the second quarter when Kiernan drained a three-pointer while falling down and getting fouled. She completed the four-point play with ease.
Another awesome display of effort came when
Myia Collins had three offensive rebounds on one possession. She ultimately completed a tough put-back layup plus the bonus free throw after she was fouled.
Fittingly, all nine Golden Eagles that saw the court contributed on offense with at least one made field goal.
"This group is creating something really special, and tonight was a great example of the opportunity they're building for the rest of the season," said CUI head coach Christine Collins Kiernan. "Every day they show up committed to being better than they were the day before, and I think anyone watching could feel the connection this team has. You could see their commitment, their competitiveness, and how much they play for one another. Every single person on our bench—players, our athletic trainer, and our coaching staff—made a meaningful impact on this win. There's a lot of season left, but I'm incredibly proud of how this group approaches the process and continues to grow together."
CUI improved to 6-6 overall and is now 4-3 in PacWest play. Vanguard remains atop the standings but is now 5-1 in conference.
CLICK HERE for the updated CUI women's PacWest Standings
The Golden Eagles are back in action this Saturday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. against Point Loma. The CUI men will also face the Sea Lions as the second part of that PacWest doubleheader at approximately 5:15 pm.
CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's basketball schedule
