Hughes scores 18, Cal State Northridge beats UC Riverside 88-74

Larry Hughes Jr. led the Cal State Northridge Matadors to a decisive 88-74 victory over the UC Riverside Highlanders at the Premier America Credit Union Arena in Northridge, California, on Saturday, as the team sought to strengthen its standing in the Big West Conference. The Matadors' offensive surge proved too much for the Highlanders to handle, as the home team utilized a balanced scoring attack and home-court advantage to secure the win during the critical mid-season matchup. Hughes Jr. was the standout performer of the evening, contributing 18 points to spearhead a scoring effort that saw multiple players reach double digits. The Matadors demonstrated significant efficiency from the field, consistently breaking down the Highlanders' defensive schemes. This performance highlights Cal State Northridge's current momentum as they look to climb the conference rankings, showcasing a blend of disciplined ball movement and aggressive transition play that kept UC Riverside on the defensive for much of the game. Despite the Highlanders' attempts to mount a comeback in the second half, the Matadors maintained a double-digit lead through most of the closing period. UC Riverside struggled to find an answer for Northridge's size and speed, resulting in the 14-point deficit by the final buzzer. The victory serves as a morale booster for the Matadors, who are aiming to establish themselves as a top contender in the Big West, while the Highlanders are forced to reassess their strategy following a tough road loss.