Matadors Get Date With USC

Determined to play USC even if it meant traveling to Idaho, Cal State Northridge begins the Boise State women’s basketball tournament tonight against the Trojans.

Matador Coach Michael Abraham tried to get onto USC’s schedule and couldn’t, so he quickly accepted an invitation to the tournament when he discovered the Trojans would be there.

Boise State and Virginia Commonwealth play in the other game tonight.

USC holds a 10-5 series advantage over Northridge, including the last seven in a row. Northridge last beat the Trojans in 1977.

The Matadors (2-5) are continuing their approach of playing quality nonconference opponents.

Northridge has defeated Loyola Marymount and Long Beach State, and has lost to Texas Arlington, Iowa, Kansas, Miami of Ohio and Pepperdine.

“When we laid out this schedule it was a little bit scary,” Abraham said. “I hope the experience gained will offset the damage to our record.

“But to get kids to want to come to Northridge, we can put this schedule in front of them that is equal to the big schools.”