Northridge’s Tresvant will remain out

Cal State Northridge, which had hoped to get leading scorer Deon Tresvant back before the end of the season, will head into the final stretch without the senior guard.

Tresvant has been out since early January after his arrest in an alleged theft at an electronics store on New Year’s Day. He pleaded not guilty to felony charges Thursday, and university officials said he would continue to be withheld from competition until the case is resolved. Although it is possible he could enter a guilty plea earlier, the next scheduled court date is not until March 16, when Northridge’s season will be over unless the Matadors win the Big West tournament to qualify for the NCAA tournament.

Northridge Coach Bobby Braswell’s 22-year-old son, Jeffrey, and actor Phannuel Gbewonyo, 28, also pleaded not guilty Thursday. Neither is on the team. A fourth defendant, freshman guard Dallas Rutherford, was sentenced earlier to probation and community service after pleading guilty to a lesser charge, but has taken a leave from the team.

Tresvant’s father, Donald Tresvant, said he had expected his son would be allowed to play Saturday against Long Beach State, which is tied for first place with Northridge in the Big West standings.

But Northridge Athletic Director Rick Mazzuto said although he “had hoped the situation would have been resolved” Thursday, Tresvant will not play until his case is settled.

Northridge is 9-4 without Tresvant, but has lost two of three since losing point guard Josh Jenkins after he was injured in a Feb. 14 auto accident.

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robynnorwood@verizon.net