Chevalier Lets CS Northridge Extend Streak to Four, 87-86

Andre Chevalier banked in an off-balance layup with nine seconds left to give Cal State Northridge an 87-86 victory over Northern Arizona in a nonconference game at Matador Gym on Saturday night.

Chevalier, a junior guard, scored a game-high 24 points, including 18 during the second half as Northridge rallied from a nine-point deficit in the final six minutes.

The Matadors (6-7) have won four in a row for the first time in their 2 1/2 seasons on the Division I level.

Northern Arizona (4-6) led, 76-67, with 6:23 remaining when Chevalier sparked a 9-2 run by making one of his four three-point baskets. Northern Arizona regained the lead, and held a 85-80 edge with 1:30 left. But Chevalier and Peter Micelli each made three free throws in the next 20 seconds.

A free throw by Jason Word with 1:18 to play gave Northern Arizona a one-point lead. With less than a minute to play, Chevalier batted the ball off the knee of Demetreus Robbins and it rolled out of bounds to give Northridge possession.

With 12 seconds left, Chevalier started his drive up the right side of the key, spun around a defender, twisted, and banked in the winning shot.

“I’m glad it was Andre who had the ball,” Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy said.

A desperation three-point attempt by Robbins at the buzzer fell far short of the rim.