Northridge Rides Out the Waves

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 six minutes 26 seconds, Northridge reversed a series of last-minute defeats by holding on for a 68-57 nonconference victory against Pepperdine before 869 at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The Matadors (2-5), breaking losing streaks of four games overall and 17 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 had lost four games decided in the last 15 seconds, didn’t breathe easy until after two free throws by Matt Andrews had given 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 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.

The Waves were led by guard Marques Johnson with a game-high 20 points.

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 also were hurt by 21 turnovers; Northridge had 23.