IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine men's basketball team burst on to the scene with an emphatic 79-55 victory over Colorado Christian on Monday night to begin the Coach Clark Era in Irvine.
New head coach Scott Clark and his staff earned their first victory in their debut and eight new Golden Eagles enjoyed their first game in the Green and Gold.
Newcomer
Tyler Isaak scored a game-high 17 points and sank both of his three-pointers. CUI shot 46 percent (6-for-13) from downtown while holding CCU to just 29 percent shooting from long range (5-for-17).
Junior guard
Kevin Haupt shot a sizzling 70 percent from the field and finished with 16 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists.
Luka Djurovic added 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists while
Neel Beniwal added nine points and also drained two treys.
7-foot center
Clint Hamann was also a force inside with 13 points and three blocks.
Mattie Dalton collected a team-best seven rebounds and supplied four points as well off the bench.
10 different Golden Eagles scored as the home team led by double digits the entire second half.
"It was good, I thought the guys brought our practice habits to the game, which was good to see," said Coach Clark. "I thought we stayed together and a lot of good stuff from a lot of good guys. We have our work cut out for us but it's a good first step."
"I'm very proud of this group of guys," added Coach Clark. "They've jumped in and attacked from day one. We've said to jump and they've said 'How high?' We are just grateful that we have a group that's like that to build on and get better."
Concordia is back in action again at home this Friday at 7:30 p.m. PT against Cal State San Marcos. It's all part of a basketball tripleheader in the CUI Arena following two women's basketball games.
The CUI women's basketball team will hold its home opener at 3 p.m. against Stanislaus State as part of the PacWest-CCAA Challenge, followed by a neutral game between Cal State San Bernardino and Biola. Then the CUI men's team will take the court.
CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's basketball schedule
