Late Burst Powers CS Northridge

For 29 minutes Saturday night, Cal State Northridge played down to the level of its competition, Division II Cal State Sacramento. Then, in a span of 2 minutes 18 seconds, Northridge shook its doldrums and the Hornets for a 92-83 victory.

It was Northridge’s fourth victory in five attempts at Matador Gymnasium and its sixth overall against 11 losses.

Trailing 63-58 with 11:03 to play, the Matadors outscored the Hornets, 17-2.

Kyle Kerlegan sparked the surge with nine of his 12 points and two steals in a reserve role.

Kerlegan, who has been in a two-game slump, asked Coach Pete Cassidy not to start him.

Keith Gibbs made the same request and also played better off the bench, scoring 10 points.

Freshman point guard Andre Chevalier led Northridge with 19 points, six assists and four steals.

“It was very unselfish of them,” Chevalier said of Kerlegan and Gibbs. “We like each other and we all want to do what it takes to win.”

Greg Ballard scored a game-high 32 points for the Hornets (9-11) .