Matadors Hold On for Victory

Cal State Northridge claimed another road victory Monday night--with a little luck.

The Matadors escaped with a 76-74 nonconference triumph over Oral Roberts before 3,113 at the Mabee Center when Nathan Binam’s three-point attempt caromed off the rim with three seconds to play.

Northridge (5-2), which nearly squandered an 11-point, second-half lead, played the final minute without starters Andre Larry and Jeff Parris after they fouled out.

The Matadors led, 75-70, with 10.6 seconds left, but Josh Atkinson’s three-point basket and free throw narrowed the gap to one point. Binam, who sank a three-pointer with six seconds to play Saturday in a 60-59 victory over Tulsa, didn’t miss by much.

“I guess their miracle happened and they weren’t due for another one,” Northridge Coach Bobby Braswell said. “These guys just find a way to win this year on the road. It hasn’t always been that way for Northridge basketball.”

Northridge won its third in a row and second consecutive road game. The Matadors defeated Oregon, 79-77, Dec. 11. Northridge plays at Texas-El Paso on Wednesday.

Center Brian Heinle led Northridge with 18 points, including three three-pointers in six attempts. Parris had 15 points and guard Markus Carr scored 13.

With the score tied, 37-37, at the half, Northridge launched an 11-2 run, with Parris accounting for all of the points. Parris picked up his fifth foul with 1:46 to play and the Matadors leading, 69-67.

“He’s our brute force and we like to use him,” Heinle said. “That’s the way he plays. Nothing special, he just goes to work.”