Matadors Get Help and Beat Southern Utah

The Cal State Northridge basketball team played its best game of the season and defeated Southern Utah, 96-75, in an American West Conference game before 219 Wednesday night at Matador Gym.

Guard Trenton Cross scored a career-high 20 points on six-for-six shooting to lead the Matadors.

But the player of the game was junior Josh Willis, who scored a career-high 22 points. Rod Stinson, a junior walk-on, also had a career night, scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Their performances were particularly important because they filled a void left by forward Tom Samson, who was in foul trouble for most of the game.

“Stinson’s contribution was really big,” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said. “Josh played one of his finest games here.”

The Matadors, 6-17 overall and 2-2 in conference play, snapped a six-game losing streak against Southern Utah (11-12, 1-2). The last three defeats have come in games decided in the final minute.

“When we are going well it’s just contagious,” Willis said.