No Time for Northridge to Save a Dismal Season

The Cal State Northridge basketball team’s 57-54 loss to Southern Utah in the semifinals of the American West Conference tournament on Friday night before 617 at Matador Gym ended with everyone wondering about timeouts.

One that wasn’t called and one that was.

Northridge trailed, 55-54, when Southern Utah’s Reggie Ingram missed a jump shot with 10 seconds remaining. Tom Samson rebounded for Northridge then made an outlet pass to Trenton Cross, who dribbled downcourt without calling the Matadors’ final timeout.

All Northridge could muster was a 25-foot desperation shot by senior Robert Hill.

“Our philosophy has always been with 10 seconds on the clock to attack,” Coach Pete Cassidy said. “I think you are going to get a better shot than when the defense is set up.

“I think [Hill] could have moved a couple of steps in, though.”

After Southern Utah rebounded the miss with only 2.5 seconds to go in the game, the Thunderbirds inexplicably called a timeout.

“It might not have been the smartest play in the world,” Southern Utah Coach Bill Evans said. “But that’s what we decided to do.”

Rod Stinson then fouled Don Faux before Southern Utah could inbound the ball, and Faux made both free throws to extend the lead to 57-54.

Northridge’s final hope was a long pass from Matt Andrews to Ruben Oronoz, who caught the ball at the top of the key, then spun and missed a three-point attempt.

Cross scored 16 points and Eric Gray 13 to lead the Matadors (7-20), who finished with their lowest-ever win total in six seasons in Division I.

Southern Utah (14-13) will face regular-season champion Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (16-12) in the final tonight at 8 at Matador Gym. Cal Poly beat Cal State Sacramento, 73-66, earlier Friday.