LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team had a tough battle on its hands Friday night in its 2019-20 season opener.

The Golden Eagles fell behind by as many as 20 points in the first half before making a spirited second-half rally that ultimately fell short in a 90-76 loss to Concordia-Irvine in University Gym. Cal State LA took awhile to find its footing against a Concordia team that already had three regular-season games under its belt and the Golden Eagles played well in the second half while slicing into the deficit.

Ja'Sean Lewis had a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Golden Eagles, while Michael-Isaiah Ajiboye had a game-high 18 points. Fard Muhammad had 16 points, while Khalil Williams finished with 10 points. Lewis also had four blocks and four steals for the Golden Eagles.

Darius Lee had 16 points to lead three Concordia (3-1) players in double figures.

Shacquille Dawkins had seven points, two assists and three steals for Cal State LA (0-1).

Cal State LA shot 38.6 percent for the game (27-of-70) and was just 16.7 percent from 3-point range (5-of-30). Concordia shot 47.1 percent for the game (32-of-68) and was just 3-of-17 from 3-point range. Concordia was 23-of-31 from the free-throw line, while Cal State LA was 17-of-21. Concordia had a 48-35 rebounding edge and both teams committed 13 turnovers.

Cal State LA fell into a big hole early and trailed 38-18 before steadily climbing back into the game. A basket by Lewis and a basket by Ajiboye just before the halftime buzzer made it 43-32 at halftime.

A three-point play by Ajiboye early in the second half got the Golden Eagles to within 43-35 and a basket by Anthony Booker in the lane and a layup by Williams got the Golden Eagles to within six, 51-45. A 3-pointer by Williams cut the margin to seven points, 57-50 and a 3-pointer by Lewis got the Golden Eagles to within 73-66, but that's as close as they would get.

In the opening game on Friday, Cal State San Marcos rallied for an 86-75 overtime win over Biola.

Cal State LA will conclude play in the tournament on Saturday. Concordia and Cal State San Marcos will meet at 5 p.m., while Cal State LA and Biola will meet at 7 p.m.