Northridge’s Big Sky Win a First

Gaining revenge, respect and momentum in equal measures, Cal State Northridge used a strong finish to put away Montana, 84-72, Sunday and earn its first Big Sky Conference victory this season and first victory over the Grizzlies.

The Matadors lost to Montana three times last season, including a heartbreaker in the Big Sky tournament final that prevented Northridge from making the NCAA tournament.

Of more immediate concern was ending a three-game conference losing streak that raised doubts about the improvement Northridge (5-9, 1-3) made by bringing in nine new players, including the entire starting lineup.

The game before 466 at Northridge also was a last chance to win at home before returning to the road, where the Matadors are 0-7.

Leading, 69-68, with seven minutes to play, Northridge went on an 11-0 spurt behind two three-pointers and a free throw by guard Lucky Grundy and layups by Mike O’Quinn and Jeff Parris.

O’Quinn, a senior guard, had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Carl Holmes scored 17 points, made three of four three-pointers and had five assists. Forward Jabari Simmons had 14 points and Grundy made all three of his three-point shots.

Montana (8-9, 1-3) stayed close until the final minutes by making 19 of 20 free throws. Forward Ryan Dick had 25 points, making nine of 15 shots and seven of seven free throws.