Mad Dash Down Floor Closes CSUN Season

The Cal State Northridge basketball team’s 57-54 loss to Southern Utah in the semifinals of the American West Conference tournament 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 to play. Tom Samson rebounded for Northridge and made an outlet pass to Trenton Cross, who dribbled downcourt without calling the Matadors’ final timeout.

The only shot Northridge could muster was a 25-foot prayer by senior Robert Hill. The Matadors (7-20) finished with their lowest win total in six seasons at Division I.

“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 steps in, though.”

After Southern Utah rebounded the miss with 2.5 seconds to play, 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 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, spun and missed a three-point attempt.

Cross scored 16 points to lead the Matadors. In three games against Southern Utah this season, Cross averaged 17.3 points. Senior Eric Gray added 13 points.

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

It was a physical game from the start, with both team struggling to score for minutes at a time.

While Northridge managed to shoot only 35% in the first half, the Matadors stayed in the game because of exceptionally hot three-point shooting. Northridge made six of 14 three-pointers, including three in the final minutes of the half, to take a 28-25 lead.