Northridge Takes Big Sky Lead

Cal State Northridge had the look of Big Sky Conference champion Thursday night. And the sound.

With four minutes to play and Northridge well on its way to a 103-83 rout of Portland State, the Matadome public-address announcer matter-of-factly informed the crowd of 1,394 that the Matadors were “alone in first,” thanks in part to losses earlier in the evening by Montana State and Northern Arizona.

Northridge (11-7 overall, 4-1 in the Big Sky) made it a reality by winning for the fifth time in five games and improving to 6-0 on its home court. The Matadors would host the six-team conference tournament in March if the they finish first.

Northridge center Brian Heinle had 28 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double.