Cal State Northridge posted an unprecedented victory...

Cal State Northridge posted an unprecedented victory over UCLA two weeks ago at Pauley Pavilion.

The Matadors will try for the same against USC tonight at the Sports Arena.

Northridge (4-2), which split two games in the Marquette tournament last weekend, is 0-2 against the Trojans (4-0), including a 73-59 loss last season at the Sports Arena.

But the gap continues to close between USC, ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press top 25, and Northridge, favored to win the Division I-AA Big Sky Conference title.

USC Coach Henry Bibby is concerned about Northridge.

“We haven’t played a team as tough as Northridge,” Bibby said. “They get after you on defense and offense. I’m not just saying that because it’s what everybody wants me to say. I’ve watched more film on Northridge than anybody. I know a few years ago, they weren’t good, but since [Coach Bobby Braswell] has been there, I’ve heard a lot of good things about them.”

The Matadors’ 78-74 victory over UCLA was no fluke, as evidenced by narrow losses to Marquette and Nevada Las Vegas.

“We’ve got to forget about UCLA now,” center Brian Heinle said.

*

Northridge will have an 11-day break after playing Wyoming at home Thursday. The Matadors play at James Madison on Dec. 18 before entering the Nike Festival against Alabama-Birmingham at Hawaii on Dec. 22.

The Northridge women’s basketball team plays at home Saturday against San Diego. Northridge (2-4) plays at Pepperdine on Dec. 17.