Matadors Win Second on Road

With leading scorer Keith Gibbs at his grandfather’s funeral and second-leading scorer Andre Chevalier struggling, it was left to David Keeter, Shelton Boykin and Brooklyn McLinn to increase their production for Cal State Northridge Saturday.

Their scoring and Percy Fisher’s contribution at the end enabled the Matadors to beat Northeastern Illinois, 76-74, in overtime.

It was Northridge’s second victory on the road this season and fourth since moving to Division I last season. After an 0-10 start, Northridge (6-13) has won five of its last six games.

Keeter, who started in place of Gibbs, matched his career high with 16 points.

Boykin scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and McLinn had 14 points and four assists.

Fisher scored four of his nine points in the overtime.

With 29 seconds left, he rebounded a miss by McLinn and hit a turnaround jump shot for a 75-74 lead. Boykin rebounded Leonard Langdon’s miss and hit the second of two free throws with eight seconds to go for a 76-74 lead.

“It was an ugly game, but you gotta take it,” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said of beating Northeastern Illinois (5-12). “I’m pleased we were able to sustain our poise and tenacity and pull it out.”