Poor Shooting by CSUN Dulls Batiste’s Effort

Maureen Batiste had 18 points, eight rebounds and two steals for Cal State Northridge, but the Matadors lost, 79-51, to Cal State Fullerton in a nonconference women’s basketball game Wednesday night.

Batiste, a 6-foot sophomore center from Long Beach Poly High, made seven of 14 shots and four of five free throws.

The Matadors (0-3) made only 18 of 62 shots (29.0%), and they shot a miserable six of 32 (18.8%) while falling behind, 47-17, at halftime.

Twenty-two turnovers only added to Northridge’s problems.

Katina Mines had nine points, six rebounds and three assists for Northridge, and teammate Shannon Crouse added seven points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Autuan Hollyfield had 20 points for Fullerton (1-1), which had four starters in double figures. The others were Shayla Bradshaw with 19 points, Shefonda Colbert at 14 and Marissa Frial with 14.

Bradshaw also had 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals, while Colbert had 13 rebounds.

While Northridge’s offense sputtered in the first half, Fullerton made 18 of 32 shots to build its 30-point lead at the intermission.