Northridge’s Shots Way Off in 80-43 Loss

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —  Consistency proved the undoing of Cal State Northridge’s basketball team Sunday.

The Matadors shot below 30% from the field, the free-throw line and the three-point line as Alabama Birmingham took an 80-43 victory before 3,963.

“Horrible wasn’t it?” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said. “We missed too many layups and we gave UAB too many second shots. We simply didn’t play with enough enthusiasm to compete with a team of UAB’s caliber.”

The game, originally scheduled for Saturday at Northridge, was moved to Birmingham because of earthquake damage at the Northridge campus. Before the game, Alabama Birmingham Athletic Director and Coach Gene Bartow presented Cal State Northridge with a $5,000 check from Rust International Corp., for earthquake relief.

Alabama Birmingham (20-6) made its first five shots and 10 of 11 while the Matadors (7-18) hit two of their first 12 shots. The Blazers had a 26-2 lead with 12:32 left in the first half.

Carter Long led Alabama Birmingham with 21 points. Peter Micelli led Northridge with 10.

The Matadors were 17 of 60 from the field and five of 17 on free throws.