Northridge Gets Its First Victory

Cal State Northridge, winless in its 10 previous games and closing in on a school record for futility, finally had the shots and breaks fall its way Saturday in a 78-72 nonconference victory over Eastern Washington before 592 at Matador Gym.

Northridge, shooting 38% before the game, used a consistent outside attack and a 2-2-1 trapping zone defense to win its first game since Feb. 20.

“This is the first time we’ve smiled after a game in a long time,” said point guard Andre Chevalier, who scored a personal-best 21 points, including 11 free throws without a miss. “We’re going to look at this as the start of a new season.”

Northridge (1-10) ended a 13-game losing streak, two short of the school record.

The Matadors outshot the Eagles, 47% to 45%, and also finished with fewer turnovers, 15 to 20, reversing two trends that had plagued them this season.

Northridge senior wing Keith Gibbs finished with 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds, four steals and a blocked shot.

Carren Wilson scored a game-high 23 points for Eastern Washington (3-6).