Auto Bid Alert: CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

The Matadors rode the scoring of Rodrigue Mels to win the Big West title late last night over the Pacific Tigers. After a shameful beginning by Pacific, CSN was up big, but Pacific made it respectable by the end of the half.  The second half was tight throughout, but Pacific could not catch the Matadors until free throws by Michael Kirby finally sent the game to OT at 61-61. In the OT, however, Cal State pulled away again behind Mels.  Cal State Northridge 71 Pacific 66. 

Interesting note about Mels. He's a French citizen who was born in Guadeloupe. The announcers made a point to say that he's still "grasping" the English language, and had trouble the previous night in a press conference after a 28-point outburst in the Big West semis. But I'm sure he's doing top level work at Cal State. I'm not saying the English-speaking athletes aren't getting pushed through without doing any work, but come on, at least be subtle about it.