Matadors’ Higgins Has a Big Home Finale

Derrick Higgins, the master thief of Cal State Northridge, made off with plenty in the last home game of his career Saturday night.

Along with respect, memories and the satisfaction of helping turn a perennial losing team into something of a winner, Higgins came away with six steals in an 83-62 victory over Montana State.

Higgins, the lone Matador senior, was honored with his parents before the game, getting hugs from teammates and an appreciative reception from the crowd of 1,112.

And while he wasn’t the only star in a well-rounded Northridge effort, he did increase his Big Sky Conference-leading steal total to 64 and scored 13 points.

When he exited with 27.5 seconds to play, the crowd stood and gave one last ovation to the 23-year-old sixth-year senior his teammates affectionately call Grandpa.

“We played good in Derrick’s farewell game at the house,” said forward Rico Harris, a junior who had 12 points and 10 rebounds against Montana State, 13-11 overall and 7-6 in the Big Sky.

Northridge (15-9, 7-5) moved into fourth place and has won six of seven heading into four road games to end the regular season.

“I told myself I wasn’t going to go out there and try to do too much,” Higgins said. “I was hyped. I wanted to win this one.”

Jason Crowe, a junior whose eligibility for next season is in question, also played with the passion of someone knowing this might be his last home game. The guard from Inglewood High made six of eight shots for 13 points and had four assists.

Northridge had five players with at least 11 points.