Fresno, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine men’s basketball team faced a tough challenge on the road, losing to Fresno Pacific with a score of 66–55. Despite the defeat, the Golden Eagles kept the game competitive, trailing by just four points at halftime, 30–26.
The team’s shooting was a mixed bag, with a field goal percentage of 38.7% in the first half. Their defense was commendable, holding Fresno Pacific to 30 points despite facing early foul trouble. Junior Kaden Minter was a standout performer, leading the team with 15 points and three three-pointers. MaCarhy Morris contributed 13 points and led in rebounds with eight, while Marcellus Edwards scored 11 points and made five assists.
After halftime, the Eagles came out strong, narrowing the gap to just two points thanks to baskets from Morris and Edwards. However, Fresno Pacific responded with an impressive run, increasing their lead to double digits. They took advantage of fast breaks and free throws, which shifted momentum away from Concordia.
Despite strong efforts from Minter and Morris, CUI couldn’t match Fresno Pacific’s shooting, as the Sunbirds finished with a 50% shooting rate. In the end, Concordia shot 39.3% overall and struggled from the three-point range at just 21.1%. Fresno Pacific also dominated the boards, claiming more rebounds and scoring 40 points in the paint.
Now with an overall record of 8–7 and 5–4 in the PacWest, the Golden Eagles are looking to bounce back. They’ll play Jessup University next on Saturday, January 17 at 2 p.m.
In recent months, the trend of high scoring in college basketball games has caught attention. According to a recent NCAA report, teams are averaging more points than they did a decade ago, shifting the focus to faster-paced play styles. This evolution in strategy could also impact how teams like CUI approach their future games.
Fans are showing their support on social media, rallying behind their teams with hashtags like #GoEagles and #PacWestPride. The enthusiasm from the community can be a vital morale booster for the players as they strive for improvement on the court.
For the latest updates on the team’s performance, you can check reliable sources like the NCAA’s official site or local sports news outlets.
