Chapman Helps Northridge Gain a First-Place Tie in CCAA

Cal State Northridge moved into a first-place tie in the California Collegiate Athletic Assn. Friday night by beating Chapman College, 57-53, at Northridge.

The Matadors (9-3 in the CCAA and 17-9) overall are tied with Cal State Dominguez Hills, which was upset by Cal State Los Angeles, 61-57. Northridge plays host to Dominguez Hills tonight in a game for first place.

In a game in which neither team led by more than six points, the Matadors shot 54% (19 of 35) from the field compared to 44% (22 of 50) for the seventh-place Panthers (4-8, 13-12). Northridge trailed, 37-34, early in the second half but rallied to take a 38-37 lead with 10 minutes to play and never was behind again.

Guard Mike Almeido was 7 of 14 from the floor for Northridge and scored a game-high 18 points, while teammate Rafael Meza added 13. Center Karl Cato had 13 points and 7 rebounds to lead Chapman, and Johnny Williams added 10 points.

CHAPMAN (53)--Williams 10, Cato 13, Kelly 7, O’Hern 6, Clark 1, Jones 4, Marusich 8, Brennan 4.

CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE (57)--White 8, Brandesberg 2, Ruetten 11, Almeido 18, Meza 13, Bolden 4, Fluker 1.

Halftime--Northridge, 29-28.