Fisher Gains Eligibility After Grade Review

The return of Percy Fisher gave the Cal State Northridge basketball team an emotional lift Wednesday in a 69-64 triumph over Canisius.

Fisher had been deemed academically ineligible for the second semester after his grade-point average fell one hundredth short of the required 2.0. As a result, Fisher did not accompany the Matadors on the road last weekend.

But according to Barry Smith, CSUN sports information director, a grade was miscalculated, enabling Fisher to regain his eligibility.

“It feels pretty good to be back,” Fisher said after recording one point and one assist in eight minutes.

Fisher, who missed the first semester because of poor grades, said the time away from competition “taught me a lesson.”

He would not credit his return for pumping up his teammates. “We play real well at home, whether I’m here or not.”

Last season, Fisher averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in a reserve role. Fisher (6-foot-7, 212-pounds), a graduate of Riordan High in San Francisco, was the most improved player on the Matador team last season.

He adds much-needed size to the Matadors, whose biggest players are 6-7, 300-pound senior Todd Bowser; 6-7, 210-pound junior college transfer Brian Kilian; and seldom-used 6-8 freshman Peter Micelli.

“Whether we win or lose, there aren’t going to be any more blowouts,” said forward Shelton Boykin, “especially with Percy back.”