Northridge Can’t Stop Washington State

FRESNO — Washington State did not display its usual suffocating defense on Monday against Cal State Northridge.

Instead, the Cougars gave up their second-highest point total of the season.

But for Northridge, that wasn’t nearly enough in a 93-78 loss in the first round of the Fresno Classic.

Eddie Hill made six of nine three-point shots and scored a game-high 24 points, leading five Cougar players in double figures as Washington State improved to 9-1.

Northridge (1-9) was led by Andre Chevalier and Brooklyn McLinn, who each scored 16.

The Matadors chipped away at the Cougars’ 16-point halftime lead and seemed to be gaining momentum when turnovers thwarted their efforts midway through the second half.

Northridge trailed by 12, but Chevalier misfired on a lob pass intended for Lofton on a fast break. Washington State then converted the turnover into the start of a 9-0 run.

Fred Ferguson, a 6-9 senior, complemented Hill’s outside shooting with deft inside play. Averaging 4.6 points coming into the game, Ferguson made eight of 12 shots and scored a career-high 18.

Washington State shot 61%, including 69% in the first half.