CS Northridge’s 27 Turnovers Key 82-67 Loss to Butler in Opener

Compared to a 24-point loss in its NCAA Division I debut last season, Cal State Northridge made progress in its season opener Friday night.

But the Matadors still can’t handle a tenacious Division I man-to-man defense. In a 82-67 loss to Butler before 2,512 at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Northridge committed 27 turnovers.

Seven of those miscues came in the first six minutes of the second half. That, combined with missing five of their first six shots of the last half, helped put away the Matadors, who trailed, 38-31, at halftime.

Butler, which put on the defensive pressure in the second half, ran off 16 consecutive points for a 58-33 lead.

Butler swingman Darin Archbold, the Midwestern Collegiate Conference most valuable player last season, led the Bulldogs with a game-high 28 points.