Northridge Stops South Carolina State

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —  Gerald Rhoden scored 17 points Saturday to help Cal State Northridge beat South Carolina State, 64-59, in the consolation game of the Dr Pepper Classic.

South Carolina State’s K-Zell Wesson made a layup at the 11:35 mark to tie the game, 17-17, in the first half. But the Matadors (3-8) took over with a basket by Ruben Oronoz to launch a 15-7 run.

Trent Cross, finishing with 11 points, made a basket with 2:07 left to put the Matadors up, 32-24, at the half.

Northridge’s biggest lead was 57-43 after two free throws by Oronoz late in the second half.

Oronoz finished with 11 points.

for Northridge.

Roderick Blankney led South Carolina State (4-4) with 21 points. Derrick Patterson added 15 and Eric Fernandez 13.