Cal State Northridge 78, Northern Arizona 72--The...

Cal State Northridge 78, Northern Arizona 72--The Matadors moved into sole possession of first in the Big Sky Conference with a victory over the Lumberjacks before a raucous 1,850 at Northridge.

The Matadors (16-9, 9-3) took the lead for good with 4:46 to play when forward Jeff Parris scored the first of eight consecutive Northridge points to snap a 64-64 tie.

Parris, despite not practicing this week because of a sore back, scored 18 points off the bench, 12 in the second half. Center Brian Heinle notched his 14th double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

John Burrell had 12 points, and Markus Carr had 10 points and 10 assists for the Matadors.

Adam Lopez led Northern Arizona (12-11, 6-6) with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Guard Cory Schwab, third in the nation in three-point baskets, was held to 10 points, including two three-pointers.

Northridge holds a one-game lead over Eastern Washington with four games to play.