Cal State-Northridge Edges Cal Poly 97-96 in Thrilling Contest

Cal State-Northridge secured a hard-fought 97-96 victory over Cal Poly at the Mott Athletics Center, with Larry Hughes II leading the charge for the Matadors. Hughes II scored 32 points, including several crucial baskets late, to outpace Cal Poly's Hamad Mousa, who finished with a game-high 33 points. The win marked a significant road triumph for Cal State-Northridge, which improved to 14-10 on the season.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a decisive advantage. Cal State-Northridge took a 52-48 lead into halftime, but Cal Poly rallied in the second half, with Mousa and Peter Bandelj combining for 30 points after the break. However, Hughes II and the Matadors refused to back down, with Hughes II scoring 17 of his 32 points in the second half to propel his team to victory.

The contest was marked by strong individual performances, with Mousa and Hughes II engaging in a thrilling scoring duel. Mousa's 33 points were complemented by Bandelj's 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Hughes II received support from Mahmoud Fofana, who chipped in 17 points, and Jordan Brinson, who added 14 points and 7 rebounds.

Prior to the game, CHD Scout predicted a narrow 83-82 victory for Cal Poly, but the actual outcome far exceeded the predicted score. The 97-96 final score was a reflection of the high-scoring nature of the contest, with both teams combining for 193 points.

The win has real consequences for Cal State-Northridge's tournament resume, as it marked a Quadrant 4 victory for the Matadors. Although Q4 wins are not typically considered marquee victories, the road triumph will still be viewed favorably by the selection committee. For Cal Poly, the loss was also a Q4 defeat, which will do little to enhance the Mustangs' already slim tournament hopes. With a net ranking of 248, Cal Poly faces an uphill climb to secure a postseason berth.

The outcome of this game will be remembered for the outstanding performances of Mousa and Hughes II, who both showed their scoring prowess in a game that will be etched in the memories of fans for a long time. As the season enters its final stretch, Cal State-Northridge want to build on this momentum, while Cal Poly will aim to regroup and refocus in pursuit of a strong finish to the campaign. The Matadors' victory may not have been a major upset, but it was a significant win that will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they push towards the postseason.