Boykin Gives Northridge an Extra Effort

For the past two seasons, Shelton Boykin has symbolized Cal State Northridge’s move to the Division I ranks in basketball.

Without full funding, the program has been forced to make do. In Boykin’s case, it is making do with a 6-foot-5 frame at power forward night after night against players several inches taller.

As Boykin blossomed, so have the Matadors and Saturday night in his final game at Matador Gymnasium, the senior from San Fernando High shone.

His 14-point, nine-rebound performance helped the Matadors stave off Northeastern Illinois, 72-66, before 1,172. The Matadors (11-15) finished their home schedule with an 8-3 mark, their best home record since the 1987-88 season.

It was Northridge’s 10th win in its past 13 games and the third consecutive game in double figures for Boykin, who averages 6.9 points a game.

“I was just looking for my shot,” said Boykin, who hit four of five field-goal attempts.

With Keith Gibbs, the team’s leading scorer, away at his stepfather’s funeral, Boykin knew that someone would have to increase his scoring production.

“I believe John (Moses) put in a few, I did, and Ryan Martin did,” Boykin said. “It wasn’t one person. We all stepped up.”

Moses scored back-to-back dunks and hit a timely 10-foot jump shot, and Martin scored 10 points and made two nifty assists.

Gibbs also missed Northridge’s previous game against Northeastern Illinois, a 76-74 overtime win last month, to be at his grandfather’s funeral.

Point guard Andre Chevalier also stepped up his play in Gibbs’ absence, scoring 14 points and making six assists.

“He’s going through a tough time,” Chevalier said. “I wanted to win this one for him.”

Chevalier not only dedicated the game to Gibbs, he promised him that the Matadors would win.

When the Golden Eagles cut the Matadors lead to five with 1 minute 14 seconds left, Chevalier worried about the promise.

But two free throws each by Boykin and Chevalier clinched it.

Northeastern Illinois (8-17) was led by Victor Snipes with 18 points and three steals.

Snipes’ driving layups sparked the Golden Eagles’ rally. When he fouled out with 3:51 remaining, Northridge Coach Pete Cassidy was relieved.

“I liked it,” Cassidy said. “It takes concentration to guard him. Without it, a guy like him will blow you away.”

The Matadors appeared to be blowing away Northeastern when they built a 34-12 lead with 3:13 left in the first half.

But a 12-3 run by the Golden Eagles reduced the deficit to 13 points by halftime, 37-24.

Northeastern maintained momentum in the opening minutes of the second half with a 6-0 run that closed the gap to 37-30.