CSUN’s Search for Coach Leads It Up Oregon Trail : Women’s basketball: Beaver assistant Abraham top choice after Long Beach State’s McDonald withdraws.

Michael Abraham, an assistant coach for the embattled Oregon State women’s basketball team, has emerged as the leading candidate to become women’s coach at Cal State Northridge after Glenn McDonald, the other finalist, withdrew from consideration Thursday.

McDonald, former women’s coach at Long Beach State, said several factors weighed in his decision, including a potentially lengthy commute from his Long Beach home and a desire to explore his newly appointed position in the Long Beach State athletic administration.

“I thought a lot about it,” said McDonald, 42, who interviewed with the Northridge search committee Wednesday. “I just thought there were little things that weren’t for me. It’s always nice to have your own program, but it wasn’t what I was looking for.”

A Northridge official said McDonald and Abraham entered the week as the only candidates being considered to succeed Kim Chandler. Northridge was 1-26 last season.

Associate Athletic Director Judith Brame said Northridge hopes to fill the vacancy by June 1, but said she was restricted from discussing details of the job search because personnel matters are considered confidential.

Abraham, 35, built a reputation for winning and effective recruiting in his last two coaching jobs. He spent six years as an assistant at Long Beach State before taking a similar post at Oregon State, where he coached for the past five seasons. His recruiting classes at both schools consistently were ranked among the nation’s best.

An Oregon State official said Abraham has been job-hunting since the end of last season, shortly after the school submitted a report to the Pacific 10 Conference that rules violations had taken place in the women’s basketball program. The report could lead to sanctions against the Beavers.

Friday, Oregon State announced a $120,000 settlement with women’s Coach Aki Hill, supposedly over a salary and contract dispute. Hill, who concurrently announced her retirement from coaching, was the Beavers’ coach for 17 years, capped by a 21-8 record and an NCAA tournament appearance last season.

Abraham could not be reached for comment.