Rising Matadors Put Weber State in Twilight Zone

NORTHRIDGE — So this is the way it looks when potential is reached, at least for 40 minutes.

In a rousing 78-68 victory over Big Sky Conference power Weber State, Cal State Northridge made it look like a breeze, playing suffocating defense and making breathtaking shots.

The Matadors unveiled a zone defense that shut down most of the Wildcats’ weapons, hounding Damien Baskerville, taking the thrill out of Eddie Gill and the action out of Noel Jackson.

They countered every Weber State surge with one of their own, led by the dunks of Jeff Parris, the slick assists of Markus Carr, the offensive rebounds of Hewitt Rolle and the deft shots of Rico Harris, Brian Heinle and Derrick Higgins.

And although the crowd numbered only 755, it was vocal and included three boisterous guys with goofy wigs and tank tops.

“They were kind of stunned by our zone,” said guard Greg Minor, who had nine points and four assists despite a fever that sidelined him in Northridge’s victory Wednesday over Cal State Sacramento.

“This is a good win for us, the most important of the season so far.”

With only one game in the next two weeks and the Big Sky Conference schedule at the halfway point, Northridge (12-8, 4-4) took time to relish a three-game winning streak that has brightened a season that only a week ago appeared on the skids.

Northridge equaled last season’s victory total and it is the earliest the team reached a dozen victories since the 1981-82 season, before most of the current Matadors began kindergarten.

“This was an excellent all-around effort,” Coach Bobby Braswell said. “After playing [Wednesday], we had every reason not to come out fresh. But the game plan [assistant coach Mike Johnson] developed was sound and we stuck to it.”

Indeed, Northridge’s zone press appeared to take the Wildcats by surprise. They scored only 10 points in the first 9:30 and shot 27% in the first half as Northridge built a 44-28 lead.

The Wildcats (14-6, 5-2), who are 11-0 when leading at halftime, went to the locker room unhappy with the officiating, the rowdy fans and most of all, their own play.

Meanwhile, nine Matadors scored and they made six of 12 three-pointers.

The lead grew to 19 points in the first minute of the second half, but was quickly whittled to 10 by the hot shooting of Harold Arceneaux, the leading scorer in the conference and the game’s leader with 26 points.

The 6-6 junior made the Wildcats’ first five shots of the half, including two three-pointers, and the deficit was trimmed to eight with 11 minutes to play.

As they did throughout the game, the Matadors responded. After patiently working the ball around, Heinle hit Higgins with a pass that led to a dunk and a 57-47 lead.

Northridge survived its only poor stretch--which included five missed shots and three turnovers in four minutes--by hustling back on defense. Weber State got as close as 64-60 before Parris made two layups to restore order.

And with four minutes left, Parris crashed the baseline and dunked to ignite the crowd and make it 72-61.

“Usually we are missing emotion,” Parris said. “I liked getting fired up. It felt good and I think we can use that.”

The Matadors had trouble putting the Wildcats away, missing one of eight free throws in the last two minutes before Minor made three of four in the final 30 seconds.

“I think [Northridge] is the most dangerous team in the league,” Weber State Coach Ron Abegglen said. “They have the talent and capability to explode on you at any time.”