LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team opened its 2024-25 season with a heartbreaking loss to Concordia on the opening day of the CCAA/PacWest Challenge.

The Golden Eagles had a chance to take the lead in the waning seconds, but a turnover was costly and Cal State LA dropped a 74-72 decision in University Gym. Cal State LA (0-1) fought back from an eight-point deficit in the final four minutes and trailed by just one point with 25 seconds to go, but couldn't get off a shot and a late free throw by Concordia with one second left accounted for the final margin.

Corey Cofield II had a huge game for the Golden Eagles and poured in a game-high 26 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists, while Shane Bell had 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Kaden Minter had a big game as well for Concordia, scoring a team-high 23 points to go along with six rebounds and three steals.

Dominic Escobar had 12 points for the Golden Eagles.

Cal State LA shot 49.1 percent for the game (27-of-55) and was 4-of-12 from 3-point range. Concordia shot 44.9 percent (22-of-49) and was 6-of-16 from 3-point range. Cal State LA was unable to overcome a big disparity at the free-throw line, where Concordia was 24-of-35 and Cal State LA was 14-of-20. The Golden Eagles were whistled for 27 fouls and had three starters foul out. Concordia committed 16 fouls and didn't have a player with more than three fouls.

Concordia had a 34-28 rebounding edge and committed 15 turnovers to 13 for the Golden Eagles.

The Golden Eagles started well and opened up their biggest lead of the game at 35-24 following a steal by Kyjuan Cannady and led to a layup by Cofield II with three minutes remaining in the half. Concordia, though, closed the half with a 10-2 run capped off a by a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Kevin Haupt to make it 37-34 at halftime.

Cofield II converted a 3-point play to open the second half and give Cal State LA a 40-34 lead, but Concordia went on a 12-0 run to take a 46-40 lead and never trailed again. A steal and layup by Jayce Catchings gave Concordia its biggest lead at 53-44.

Cal State LA still trailed by eight points, 71-63, with 4:10 left before making its final push. Escobar and Chasen Stewart scored on driving layups and a three-point play by Escobar made it 71-70 with two minutes left. Jaden Henderson hit a pair of free throws to make it 73-70 before Escobar countered with a pair of free throws to make it 73-72 with 46 seconds left. After a missed jumper and a rebound by Lazo with 25 seconds remaining, the Golden Eagles then turned it over on their last possession and Concordia held on for the win.

Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday with another tournament game at Biola at 7:30 p.m.