The UBC Thunderbirds kicked off the 2012-13 CIS Men's Basketball season with a 77-73 defeat to the visiting Eastern Washington Eagles.

The Thunderbirds got strong efforts from transfers Brylle Kamen (San Jose State, 2011), O'Brian Wallace (Brandon Bobcats) and second-year forward Tommy Nixon.

Kamen a 6'7", 235 lbs forward via Paris, France didn't disappoint in his UBC debut, finishing with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

Tommy Nixon (Vancouver, BC) was equally impressive racking up his own double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Wallace added 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Justin Crosgile led the way for the Eagles with 26 big points, including 5-of-9 from downtown.

The Thunderbirds came out flying and jumped out to 7-0 run to start the game and led 11-2 after a Brylle Kamen offensive rebound. The Eagles regrouped and closed out the last five minutes on 19-10 run to tie things up at 21-21 at the end of the first quarter.

The visiting Eagles managed some separation in the second--quarter and took a slim 41-37 advantage at half-time and never looked back on their way to victory.

Eastern Washington will look to move to 3-0 on their Canadian Basketball tour when it faces the Victoria Vikes on Sunday evening.

The T-Birds will resume action on October 5th when the visiting Bishop Gaiters make the trip to the West Coast.