Matadors Fall From First Place

Cal State Northridge is favored to win the Big Sky Conference. That didn’t faze Eastern Washington.

The Eagles again had their way with Northridge on Saturday night, marching into the Matadome and manhandling the Matadors during the second half of an 88-75 victory before 1,483.

It was Eastern Washington’s fifth consecutive victory over Northridge and third in a row at the Matadome, where Northridge was 12-1 last season and was 6-0 after Thursday’s victory over Portland State.

Northridge (11-8, 4-2 in the Big Sky) dropped into a four-way tie for second, along with Eastern Washington (9-7, 4-2), Northern Arizona and Weber State. Montana State (4-1) is in first place by a half-game.

Eastern Washington was patient with its shots and overpowering beneath both baskets. The Eagles out-rebounded the Matadors, 37-26, getting several second-chance points.

Forward Chris White had 21 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, and forward Aaron Olson had a game-high 28 points. The victory completed a two-game road sweep for the Eagles, who won Thursday at Northern Arizona.

Eastern Washington holds a 9-4 series edge against Northridge.

“They’re pretty good on the road,” Northridge Coach Bobby Braswell said. “They came in here and put it to us. They deserved it.”

Center Brian Heinle led Northridge with 22 points and seven rebounds.