Northridge Finally Gets Home Free

Cal State Northridge performed its customary high-wire act Thursday night. Only this time, the Matadors kept their balance.

Despite blowing leads and not scoring a basket in the final 6:26, Northridge reversed a series of last-minute defeats by holding on for a 68-57 nonconference victory over Pepperdine before 869 at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Matadors (2-5), breaking losing streaks of four games overall and 17 games on the road, made nine of 10 free throws in the last 56 seconds to keep Pepperdine (1-7) at bay.

Northridge Coach Bobby Braswell, whose team lost four games decided in the last 15 seconds, didn’t breathe easy until two free throws by Matt Andrews gave the Matadors a 67-57 lead with 25 seconds left.

“I didn’t feel secure until 11 seconds to go,” Braswell said. “I was computing in my mind, and I didn’t think [Pepperdine] had enough time to come back.

“It’s nice to be able to pull out a win.”

Junior guard Lucky Grundy scored a career-best 15 points, including four consecutive free throws to give Northridge a 65-54 lead with 38 seconds to play. In addition, Grundy had seven assists, and guard Derrick Higgins had 11 points and four steals.

Pepperdine guard Marques Johnson, who scored 20 points, answered with his fourth three-point basket for his team’s final points.

“The kids responded,” Braswell said. “They stepped up and made key free throws. In the past, we panicked a little in pressure situations. Tonight the big ‘C’ came out--composure.”

Pepperdine Coach Lorenzo Romar held a closed-door team meeting after the game and did not talk to reporters. It was the sixth consecutive defeat for the Waves, whose shooting problems continued with a 21-of-52 (40.4%) effort. The Waves were also hurt by 21 turnovers but they weren’t alone.

Northridge finished with 23 turnovers, and mistakes contributed to the Matadors losing a 13-point lead in the first half. To compensate for the sloppy play, Northridge shot a season-best 57.9% (22 of 38).

Four points by center Tom Samson, who finished with 10 points, gave Northridge a 56-47 lead with 6:27 to play. From there, the Matadors went without another field goal, finishing the game by making 12 of 17 free throws.

The teams combined for 23 turnovers in the first half, which ended with Northridge leading, 35-29.

Northridge dominated early, taking a 15-2 lead 8:17 into the game on a three-point basket by Walter Jefferson.