Northridge’s Loss to Long Island Is Downright Scary

Following the lead of his Cal State Northridge team, Coach Bobby Braswell’s voice cracked as he spoke of the Matadors’ 102-86 loss to Long Island on Monday night.

“For the first time, we looked afraid,” he said. “We didn’t compete and that worries me. I don’t want to panic, but this team quit. This team was afraid.”

There didn’t seem much for Northridge to fear opening the Fresno tournament in front of 2,184 indifferent early birds at a Selland Arena that would fill up later for Fresno State’s game against North Florida.

Maybe it was the Blackbirds, among them Charles Jones, the nation’s leading scorer last season who matched his average with 31 points.

“I think they were shocked at how we kept coming at them,” Jones said. “We got in their face and took advantage of all their mistakes.”

Facing a full-court press for the first time, Northridge (2-6) did not respond well, committing 25 turnovers and often struggling to get the ball into the front court.

“That’s how Long Island wants you to play,” Braswell said. “They want you to . . . make bad decisions.”

The only time the Matadors got together was in the locker room afterward for a two-hour, players-only meeting. Braswell would not allow players to comment, but what he wanted out of the meeting was clear.

“Who is the floor general on this team?” he said. “We’ve got seniors showing no leadership.”

After trailing by 16 points with 6:00 to play, Northridge came within 90-82 on a layup by Lucky Grundy with 2:30 left. But the Blackbirds (5-6) made 11 of 14 free throws thereafter and cracked the century mark as they have in every victory.

Jones made 10 of 22 shots, including four of nine three-point attempts. Five other Blackbirds also scored in double figures.

O’Quinn had 17 points and 11 rebounds, but most of his scoring came after the outcome was determined.

Forward Jabari Simmons scored all of his 13 points on five-of-nine shooting in the first half, keeping Northridge within 47-40. Simmons, who had 13 rebounds, did not take a shot in the second half.

Matador notes

Derrick Higgins, who has missed three games with a stress fracture in his right foot, might apply for a medical redshirt unless his condition improves in time for the Big Sky Conference opener Jan. 2. Higgins already used a medical redshirt in 1995-96, but Northridge compliance officer Tim Shannon believes the NCAA might award Higgins another. Higgins has played in five games. . . . Freshman center Brian Heinle, averaging 9.4 points and 7.1 rebounds, played only three minutes and did not score. “Against a real athletic team like Long Island he can’t get up and down the floor quickly enough,” Braswell said.