Matadors Ready to Step Up

Andre Larry smiles broadly when he talks about getting to the Big Dance, player-speak for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Never mind that Larry’s feet are hurting. The 6-foot-9 senior forward for Cal State Northridge is nursing a sprained right ankle, a sprained big toe on his left foot, even a bunion--the results of a long, arduous season.

If Northridge does advance to the NCAA tournament, Larry, figures to lead the way. And he’ll have all the more reason to kick up his heels.

Northridge (19-9) plays top-seeded Montana (17-10) tonight in a Big Sky Conference tournament semifinal at Montana’s Adams Center. The winner will play for the Big Sky title Saturday night against either Eastern Washington or Northern Arizona, with the champion advancing the 64-team NCAA tournament.

Northridge has never won the Big Sky title in four years in the conference, and a berth in the NCAA tournament remains a lofty goal for a program in only its 10th season in Division I.

Moreover, the Matadors have never beaten Montana on its home court, losing 73-70, in overtime this season.

Larry, who transferred from Oregon after his sophomore year, is in his final days of college basketball. Arguably the Matadors’ best player, Larry intends to continue playing, possibly in Europe.

But before that, Larry said, he longs to help Northridge leave its mark.

“We’re trying to turn some heads right now,” Larry said.