Box Score SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles advanced to the PacWest Championship semifinals on Thursday afternoon with a strong 70–60 victory over Fresno Pacific in the quarterfinal round at Golden Gym. Concordia controlled much of the contest behind efficient shooting and a dominant performance on the glass, improving to 16–13 overall while keeping its postseason run alive.
The Golden Eagles came out aggressive in the opening half, setting the tone early with sharp ball movement and efficient offense. Concordia shot an impressive 62.5% from the field in the first half, building a double-digit lead while limiting Fresno Pacific's scoring opportunities. The Golden Eagles held the Sunbirds to just 23 first-half points, taking a 38–23 advantage into the break after controlling the paint and forcing turnovers that turned into transition opportunities.
Leading the way for Concordia was Nick Corbett, who delivered a dominant all-around performance with 19 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Corbett was highly efficient, shooting 6-of-7 from the field, while also anchoring the Golden Eagles on the glass.
MaCarhy Morris added another strong outing with 15 points and five assists, helping orchestrate the offense and keep the pressure on Fresno Pacific's defense throughout the game. Marcellus Edwards also played a key role offensively, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, consistently attacking the rim and contributing to Concordia's 38 points in the paint.
Despite Fresno Pacific making a push in the second half, the Golden Eagles maintained control by capitalizing at the free throw line and continuing to dominate the rebounding battle. Concordia finished the game shooting 51.1% from the field while out rebounding the Sunbirds 32–28. CUI also forced 15 FPU turnovers, converting those opportunities into 20 points.
Fresno Pacific was led by Isaac Peralta's 17 points, but Concordia's defensive effort limited the Sunbirds' offensive rhythm for much of the contest.
With the win, the Golden Eagles move on to the PacWest Championship semifinals and will face No. 2 seed Westmont on Friday at 12:30 p.m. PT
The advancing team will get a chance to win the automatic qualifier into the NCAA DII West Regional Tournament as a finalist in Saturday's PacWest Championship Game. That contest will be at 2 p.m. PT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL PACWEST MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL CUI MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
