Fire Strikes Garden Grove Garage Twice

Cal State Northridge learned the hard way not to overlook an opponent.

Coach Bobby Braswell only can hope the lesson will stick after surging Idaho State shocked Northridge with an 89-84 victory Thursday night that knocked the Matadors from sole possession of first place in the Big Sky Conference.

Northridge (15-9, 8-3 in the Big Sky), which made only two of its first 10 shots, fell behind, 19-6, and spent most of the game struggling to catch-up, despite a season-high 30 points by guard John Burrell.

The Matadors did, taking an 84-83 lead with 57 seconds to play on two free throws by Burrell. But six consecutive free throws by the Bengals settled matters.

The Matadors’ performance was unsettling to Braswell, who offered harsh criticism afterward.

“I’m really disappointed in our guys,” Braswell said. “I was disappointed with our effort and our intensity. It was the first game I really felt our guys came out and took a team for granted. It just goes to show that we can be beaten by anybody.”

Including Idaho State (9-11, 5-4), which ended a seven-game losing streak against Northridge while posting its third consecutive conference victory for the first time in five seasons.

The Bengals, who tied for last a year ago, were spurred by a season-high 30 points by guard Jordie McTavish, who had six three-point baskets.

“It’s huge to beat Northridge,” McTavish said. “But any win in conference is big. We just weren’t intimidated by them.”

Northridge players were dejected after the game and at a loss to explain matters.

“We got what we deserved,” center Brian Heinle said. “I just don’t know what happened tonight. They just wanted it more than us.”

Northridge, picked to finish first in the Big Sky, defeated Idaho State, 90-73, last month at Northridge and hadn’t lost to the Bengals since a 73-63 loss in 1997.

Guard Markus Carr said the Matadors seem distracted but declined to elaborate.

“I don’t know if it’s the weather or whatever,” Carr said. “I think we tend to be looking ahead.”

Northridge is tied for first with Eastern Washington, an 81-70 winner over Weber State on Thursday. Eastern Washington defeated the Matadors at Northridge, 88-75, last month and plays host to Northridge on March 1.

The Big Sky regular season champion will host the conference tournament.

Braswell is more concerned with rekindling his team’s fire.

“We still haven’t figured that out,” Braswell said. “We need to show more personal pride in our defense. We had plenty of time to prepare for this game. We just didn’t step up to the challenge.”