Hot Streak Could Keep Matadors Dancing in March

The Run and the Three-Headed Monster

On January 24th, CSUN was 11-10 and had lost three in a row, after Hawaii decimated them by 21 points.

Their season felt over.

One month later, the Matadors are 18-10, having won seven in a row, including recent victories over two of the league’s top teams to move into a three-way tie at the top of the conference.

What’s the flavor?

The biggest takeaway from their box scores is that multiple players can get jiggy with it.

During the Matadors’ seven-game winning streak, they’ve had two different players score at least 30 points in a game, and three with 20.

Josiah Davis scored 31 in an overtime victory over Santa Barbara last Thursday, and Larry Hughes II had 32 against Cal Poly on February 5th.

Mahmoud Fofana also had back-to-back 22-point games entering 2026.

This three-headed monster on offense has proven too much for opponents during this streak. Davis, Hughes II, and Fofana have combined for at least 78 points in their last seven contests.

Hughes II leads the team, averaging 18.2 points per game, while shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc.

CSUN’s dramatic run could probably have been predicted after they went on a seven-game run last year, around the same time.

But the Matadors lost number eight to UC San Diego last season, and faltered down the stretch, losing their first game in both the Big West and NIT tournaments.

Now, just like last year, they have a chance to host a top team at Premier America Credit Union Arena.

But the outcome remains unwritten.

Head Coach Andy Newman a Proven Winner

Andy Newman has instantly turned California State Northridge into a contender. Before his arrival, the Matadors hadn’t had a winning campaign since 2008-09.

Newman’s fast-paced offense has brought the Matadors to life

He’s also bringing wins to the Valley. CSUN is on pace for 20 dubs this year, having grabbed 22 a season ago, and 19 in his inaugural campaign.

The key to the Matadors’ success this season has been their dynamic offense, which ranks 59th in the nation in points per game.

But this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Newman promised to bring “an exciting, fast paced, team-oriented style of basketball back to the valley” when he was hired, and to do it “by lighting up the scoreboard and competing for championships.”

He has done just that.

Before Cal State Northridge, he won everywhere he coached, bringing a 206-98 record to Northridge.

He was already known within Big West circles after serving as an assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton for 10 years.

Newman was also an interim Head Coach for the Titans in 2012-13, when CSUF had the best offense in the conference.

He led Cal State Northridge to the First Round of the NIT last year. This season, if they keep winning, the Matadors could find themselves in the NCAA Tournament.