Weber State and Farmer Beat Northridge

After two lopsided losses in its first two games, Weber State and Coach Larry Farmer, formerly of UCLA, needed a break. They needed a win. They needed Cal State Northridge.

Weber State, picked by Big Sky Conference coaches to win that league’s title in Farmer’s second year at the school, beat the NCAA Division II Matadors, 75-62, Monday night.

But the win didn’t come easy. Northridge (0-4) stayed close until midway through the second half when Weber State began a 13-2 run. With 4:55 left in the game, the Wildcats held a 63-49 lead and, from that point, coasted to victory.

“It feels a lot better to come out on top for a change,” Farmer said. “When you go on the road and lose a couple of games the way we did, the players lose confidence. This game tonight was a confidence builder.”

Still, Farmer’s team looked tentative on offense and, defensively, Weber allowed the smaller Matadors to work the ball inside for easy baskets.

Said Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy: “With them coming off the tough losses on the road, they probably looked at us and thought they’d have an easy time. But we showed a lot of maturity. I was very encouraged. Our new guys are starting to come together.”

Todd Bowser, a 6-foot 7-inch freshman center from Montclair Prep, started his first college game. He scored six points, grabbed eight rebounds and played strong defense against the taller Wildcats.

“We’re not playing as well as we can,” said Farmer, who had an 18-11 record in his first year at Weber State. “We’re not shooting well. We’ve been in the 30% range. It’ll come, though.”

Against Northridge, the Wildcats shot 48% but made 81% from the free-throw line.