Colorado State Keeps Northridge in Check

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The margin of loss was nearly identical, but the difference between Cal State Northridge’s first and second Division I games was like night and day.

This time, the Matadors’ running game was slowed and the experience of guards Lynn Tryon and Mark Meredith led Colorado State past Northridge, 104-79, before 6,472 Saturday night at Moby Arena.

Tryon scored a career-high 30 points, including four three-pointers, and Meredith had 22 points, also making four three-point baskets.

Although it was the most points scored by Colorado State since the 1971-72 season, the pace wasn’t nearly fast enough for Northridge’s taste and nowhere near the frenzy of its 113-89 loss to Colorado a night earlier.

“They got back well on defense and filled the passing lanes,” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said. “We’re not going to be able to run every game. Against a Boyd Grant-coached team, he’s not going to let us run. You gotta be able to operate out of the halfcourt. You can’t live on the break alone.”

David Keeter (four of six) was the only Northridge player able to get off more than one three-point basket as the Matadors were limited to 25 attempts, compared to 44 in their Division I debut.

Keeter led the Matadors with 15 points.