This Time, Northridge Takes Care of Business

For much of Saturday night’s nonconference game against Cal State Fullerton, it looked like business as usual for the Cal State Northridge basketball team.

Turnovers. Bad defense. Playing from behind.

But the Matadors turned it around, rallying from a 14-point second-half deficit to beat Fullerton, 77-76, in their home opener before 702 in the Matador Gym. Ruben Oronoz’s free throw with 19 seconds left was the deciding point.

The Matadors (1-2) then held on when Matt Andrews blocked Chris Dade’s shot, and Brian Thomas missed a shot as time expired.

Oronoz’s 19 points led the Matadors, who were playing without leading scorer Damion Morbley, who missed practice Friday.

Northridge point guard Trenton Cross scored 12 points, all after the Matadors had fallen behind by 14.

Cross helped turned the deficit into a nine-point Northridge lead with 3:33 to play, but Fullerton (0-2) came back to tie the score, 74-74, with 1:49 to play.

After a Northridge’s Eric Gray made a free throw, Fullerton took a 76-75 lead on Mark Richardson’s layup with 1:04 left. Cross then tied the score with a free throw, but he missed his second shot. Oronoz grabbed the rebound and was fouled, sending him to the line for the eventual winner.

Ali Nayab led Fullerton with 15 points.