a group of 51ÂÜÀò basketball players in the gym


The 51ÂÜÀò men’s basketball team made program history when they defeated Concordia 81-77 and won their first-ever Golden State Athletic Conference tournament championship on March 6.

It was the first GSAC tournament championship appearance for 51ÂÜÀò in 10 years, and it was the first successful of four previous attempts at a win since 51ÂÜÀò joined the conference in 1993-94.

Prior to the game, 51ÂÜÀò was ranked No. 19 in the latest NAIA poll while Concordia was top-seeded at No. 4. The win improved the Eagles’ record to 25-8 for the season and marked their eighth consecutive win. 51ÂÜÀò won all three of their games against Concordia this season, winning twice in a row at the CU arena in Irvine. Previously, 51ÂÜÀò won only one game there in the last 10 years.

The GSAC tournament championship was the second major loss Concordia suffered to 51ÂÜÀò in sports this year, as the men’s soccer team earned a GSAC title over Concordia in the fall.

Both the men's and women's basketball teams advanced to the NAIA Tournament, with each making it to the quarterfinal round before being eliminated.