CSUN Men Stampede Buffalo Behind Gathers

Like Cal State Northridge, which is scheduled to move up to Division I in all sports in 1990 except football, the State University of New York at Buffalo is stepping up to Division I, beginning in 1991.

Friday night, the Northridge men’s basketball team looked like it was ahead of schedule, beating Buffalo, 77-63, in a nonconference game at Northridge.

The Matadors improved to 8-2 and remain unbeaten (5-0) at home.

“With them being from Buffalo, New York, we thought they might come into our gym and house us,” said Northridge forward Derrick Gathers, who hails from Philadelphia. “But they came in a little timid.”

Gathers celebrated his 21st birthday by scoring a game-high 17 points. Northridge led by as many 20 points during the first half and held a 43-26 halftime lead that was never really challenged.

The Matadors will resume nonconference play Jan. 4 at Cal Lutheran.

Also on Friday, the CSUN women’s team rallied from a 5-point halftime deficit to defeat Humboldt State, 71-66, in a nonconference game at home.

Chris Cavalin led the Lady Matadors (9-2) with 19 points.