Northridge, CA (Sports Network) - Donovan Johnson came off the bench to score
19 points, leading four players in double figures, as the Matadors of Cal
State Northridge topped Pepperdine, 81-75, in season-opening action at The
Matadome.
Josh Greene accounted for 16 points for the Matadors (1-0), followed by
Stephen Maxwell and Stephen Hicks with 15 and 10 points, respectively, as the
duo also combined for 13 of the team's 32 rebounds.
The Waves (0-1) were paced by Jordan Baker who dropped in a game-high 21
points, shooting 4-of-6 behind the three-point line. Lorne Jackson, who made
just 1-of-9 shots from three-point range, accounted for 16 points, six
rebounds and six assists, while Jett Raines delivered 11 points in the losing
cause.
Pepperdine came out firing in the first half, converting 6-of-13 behind the
three-point line and a near-perfect 8-of-9 at the charity stripe, en route to
a 38-33 advantage at the break.
In the second half CSUN feasted at the free-throw line, knocking down all but
one of 21 opportunities to surge ahead and claim the six-point win.
In addition to outscoring Pepperdine at the charity stripe on the night,
25-16, the Matadors also forced 23 turnovers which they converted into 30
points.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network