CS Northridge Shows Effects of Long Layoff : College basketball: Turnovers, fouls plague Matadors, who fall to Northeastern Illinois, 85-69, in first game since the day of the earthquake.

Where the Cal State Northridge basketball team plays and practices, reporters and camera crews follow.

The Matadors, it seems, are finally getting the media attention they have always relished.

If only people were watching for another reason.

Team Tragedy took its road show to the Windy City on Saturday and got swept away by Northeastern Illinois, 85-69, between questions about aftershocks and its crumbling campus.

On the court, rust was apparent.

Playing for the first time since Jan. 17 because of the earthquake that morning, Northridge (3-13) committed 21 turnovers and was charged with 29 personal fouls.

“Not playing in a game for a while, you’re obviously going to be rusty,” said Andre Chevalier, who paced the Matadors with 18 points, six assists and four steals. “But that’s no excuse for the turnovers.”

And the fouls?

“A lot of stuff went their way,” Chevalier added.

Take away a three-point basket at the end and Northeastern Illinois (12-7) made only three baskets in the last 10 minutes 33 seconds. However, the Golden Eagles attempted 32 free throws in the second half, making 26, enabling them to overcome a 33-32 Northridge halftime lead.

“That’s a very unique situation, to hold a team to three field goals in 10 1/2 minutes and they increase their lead,” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said.

He declined to comment further, noting, “It’s against NCAA rules to say what I really want to say.”

Reggie Smith, Northeastern Illinois’ sharp-shooting forward, had 21 of his 24 points in the second half to equal his scoring average.

Northridge was playing its first game since learning that Chris Yard, the team’s top rebounder, will miss the rest of the season because of a torn ligament in his right knee and a broken right hand.

Already shorthanded, the Matadors suffered further when Peter Micelli and Shane O’Doherty, their top remaining post players, both landed in early foul trouble.

O’Doherty fouled out in 17 minutes. Micelli finished with four fouls in only 20 minutes. The pair combined for 12 points and only five rebounds.

Northridge made 50% of its shots, but attempted 10 fewer field goals and 11 fewer free throws than the Golden Eagles. Northeastern Illinois outrebounded Northridge, 34-25.

Ryan Martin was a bright spot for the Matadors, coming off the bench to score 14 points in 31 minutes.

Brooklyn McLinn, Northridge’s top scorer, made only one of six shots and finished with seven points. He had scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games.

Now it’s on to South Bend, Ind., where Northridge will play Notre Dame on Monday night--in between interviews, of course.

“Everybody is really pulling for us because we’re a bright spot for the school right now even through we’re not winning much,” Micelli said after talking to a local news station. “We’re playing for pride.

“This game gets the cobwebs out. Now we’re ready. The turmoil is over and it’s time to move on.”

Apparently, Northridge will have to keep moving, like it or not.

Athletic Director Bob Hiegert told the team after the game that it might not play in the Northridge gym again this season.

He cited parking and concession problems, then added, “And how many people are really going to want to come into our gym?”

The players would like to.

“That’s disheartening to hear because we play well at home,” Chevalier said.

Then again, the Matadors should be used to getting bad news.