IRVINE, CA – The first half of Tuesday's Pacific West Conference rematch between Menlo Men's Basketball and Concordia was a roller coaster ride as the lead changed hands nine times, but despite the Oaks' resilient efforts and a big second half for sophomore guard Kai Brown, the Golden Eagles exited CU Arena with the 78-66 victory.

Oaks Highlights
-Along with scoring a team-high 21 points (his third time with 20+ in 11 games), Kai Brown collected three rebounds, two steals, and one block
-Quentin Thompson and Nick High each scored in double figures, combining for 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the field

Menlo Hangs Tough Led By 14 Of Brown's 21 Points In Second Half
Trailing 10-5 early, Menlo quickly rallied back with five points from Brown and four from senior forward Nick High all during an 11-2 run that put the Oaks in front by four at 16-12. Junior guards Max Sheridan and Marvin Brumfield each provided key triples to keep Menlo ahead and, following a layup by sophomore guard Quentin Thompson that tied things up at 27-27, Concordia had the final two scores of the half for a 31-27 advantage.

The two sides traded baskets to begin the second period then CUI's 8-2 burst pushed their advantage to 14 and, following an 8-1 run later, as many as 18 points with under eight and a half minutes left. Never one to back down, however, Menlo got a transition layup by High off a block by Thompson and soon Brown repeatedly scored alongside junior guard Devon Woods during an 11-2 surge. The margin shrunk to nine at the five-minute mark, but eight made free throws in the final four minutes helped secure a 78-66 win for the Golden Eagles.

Up Next
The Oaks' Southern California trip extends to San Diego next where Menlo will meet Point Loma for the second time this season on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.