25,000 Good Reasons for Driving

Cal State Northridge received a guarantee of $25,000 to play UCLA last Saturday. Only the $40,000 the program received for visiting Tennessee last month was higher.

And the Matadors didn’t have to travel 2,500 miles to get it.

“It’s not bad for driving 30 minutes down the freeway,” Coach Bobby Braswell said.

Two seasons ago, Northridge made only $15,000 for playing at UCLA, Braswell said.

The difference in cash didn’t translate into a better showing on the floor. Northridge was defeated by the Bruins, 114-97. Two years ago, the Matadors were on the short end, 95-73.

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Jermar Welch might have preferred to make his debut against a less formidable opponent than UCLA. But for the most part, he was just happy to finally be able to wear the Northridge uniform.

Welch, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward from Canyon Springs High in Moreno Valley, was the fourth player recruited by Braswell at Northridge, signing a letter of intent in November 1996.

However, after his senior year, it appeared Welch would have to be admitted under Prop. 48 and sit out the 1997-98 season. His grades in his first semester at Northridge were not good, causing him to be ineligible also for the first semester this season.

But Welch passed his finals this week and is eligible.

“He’s been practicing with us for two years so he knows our system and the transition should be quick,” Braswell said.

The left-handed Welch is considered the best leaper on the team and will contribute mostly as a rebounder and defensive specialist.

Against the Bruins, he had two rebounds in nine minutes and did not attempt a shot.