California State University at Northridge
6-0
Texas Southern
1-5
Team Stats
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
CSUN Defeats Texas Southern to Capture Radisson Hotel Chatsworth Thanksgiving Basketball Classic
11/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
CSUN won its host tournament for the second time under head coach Jason Flowers with a strong performance Saturday. Texas Southern started well Saturday, scoring the first five points and led 20-16 with 5:59 left in the first half.
A 3-pointer from Ashlee Guay then started a 16-0 rally for the Matadors, who took a 32-20 lead into halftime. The Matadors shot 38.7 percent (12-of-31) in the first half and held Texas Southern to 9-of-30 (30 percent) over the opening 20 minutes.
In the second half, Texas Southern would get no closer than eight, with 12:53 remaining in the contest, before the Matadors pulled away to seal the victory. CSUN shot 46.4 percent (13-of-28) in the second half and held the Tigers to just 9-of-31 (29 percent) from the field.
"Texas Southern started the game at a high level and with a lot of intensity. We took a shot early and then I thought our kids did a good job of responding and settling into what we needed to do," Flowers said. "Offensively, we only had 11 turnovers against a team that pressures pretty well. Last night we only had seven turnovers and I thought that was key in both games. Our guards did a good job in their decision making today."
Mahlknecht had a solid game for the Matadors, posting her 11th career double-double. The 17 rebounds represent a new season high and the three blocks raises her career total to 244, the sixth most in Big West Conference history. Over the two games at the tournament, Mahlknecht averaged 11.5 points, 15.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game.
"I worked hard today, but our defense was solid and our guards did a good job of finding me for scoring opportunities," Mahlknecht said. "I am excited to be named Tournament MVP. We have a very talented team, so to be recognized is a blessing. Today was huge team effort and I was able to be successful because collectively we did the right things on offense and defense."
Janae Sharpe led all scorers with 15 points Saturday. She added five assists and eight rebounds in 35 minutes of action. Guay finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes.Â
Cinnamon Lister was the fourth Matador to finish in double-figures, She scored 12 points to go with three assists in 29 minutes. Breeyon Alexander-Perry scored a pair of key baskets in the first half and finished with four points and five rebounds.
In all, CSUN shot 42.4 percent from the field compared to 29.4 percent for Texas Southern. The Matadors out-rebounded the Tigers 44-39 and scored 32 points in the paint. CSUN finished with 16 second-chance points after grabbing 11 offensive rebounds.
The Matadors return to action on Thursday, December 4 with a road game at Saint Mary's. Tip off from Moraga, Calif., is slated for 6 p.m.