Chevalier Scores 25, Leads Northridge Over Quincy

Cal State Northridge got to experience how the other half lives Thursday night, and played just well enough to enjoy it.

A decisive favorite for the first time this season, the Matadors staved off Quincy (Ill.) College, 90-79, in a nonconference game before 526 fans at Northridge.

Andre Chevalier, a junior guard, scored a career-high 25 points, including all 10 of his free throws for Northridge. However, he also committed six turnovers.

Coming off an emotional victory over Loyola Marymount on Tuesday, Northridge struggled through lapses of listless play.

Quincy, a Division II school playing its third game in three days, outrebounded Northridge, 40-29, including a 13-4 edge on the offensive boards.

“We seemed to be looking for the easy road out and not working for it,” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said.

Guard Brooklyn McLinn, who had 17 points, said: “It was like playing ourselves, kind of. I think, because we’re small, people don’t think they need to box out against us either, and we sneak the rebound.”

The score was tied, 47-47, early in the second half when Northridge (5-7) went on a 19-3 run. Chevalier, McLinn and guard James Morris capped off the spurt by making consecutive three-point baskets.

Northridge (5-7), which has won three in a row, shot a season-best 51.9% and was even better, 52.6% (10 of 19), from three-point range. Although forward Chris Yard made only three of 12 free throws, the Matadors converted 26 of 39, compared to Quincy’s 14 of 18.

Reggie Bell, a former Hawthorne High and College of the Canyons player, had 12 points and seven rebounds for Quincy (6-8).