Chevalier Lifts Northridge, 82-73

Andre Chevalier scored 19 points to lift cold-shooting, turnover-prone Cal State Northridge out of its doldrums and past Cal State Sacramento, 82-73, Friday night.

Before a crowd of 1,647 at Matador Gymnasium, Northridge (7-14) earned its sixth victory in its last eight games after an 0-10 start.

Sacramento (2-18), a first-year independent, lost its fourth consecutive game and 13th in a row on the road.

Chevalier, a sophomore point guard from Reseda Cleveland High, played 37 minutes because backup point guard James Morris remained sidelined by an inflammation of the sac around his heart.

Unlike his teammates, who shot 40% from the field and 63% from the free-throw line, Chevalier had a hot hand. He made six of nine field goals and seven of nine free throws.

Chevalier began the game with a stomachache and a headache and finished it with a bloody nose and a sprained ankle.

“I just took James’ place, filling in for my homeboy,� Chevalier said of Morris.

Northridge committed 17 turnovers, few of them forced.

“I don’t mean to sound like sour grapes,� Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said. “It’s a win and we’ll take it. I just think we can play better.�

Matador backup center Percy Fisher scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half and was one of three players, along with Brian Kilian and Shelton Boykin, to pull down eight rebounds.

Charlo Davis, formerly of Manual Arts High, led the Hornets with 24 points, including six three-point baskets.