NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — On a night when two Big West contenders clashed at The Matadome, it was Cal State Northridge that emerged with a 73-61 victory over UC Davis, powered by a relentless defensive effort and star-making performances from Keonte Jones and Marcus Adams Jr.
The game wasn’t just about the final score. It was about identity. For CSUN, this win wasn’t just another tally in the standings — it was a statement.
From the opening tip to the final buzzer, Coach Andy Newman’s squad showed why they are quickly becoming one of the most feared defensive teams in the conference. They neutralized UC Davis’ top scorer, Ty Johnson, with a swarming defense that left the Aggies scrambling for answers.
CSUN Takes Control Early and Never Looks Back
The first few minutes of the game hinted at a potential shootout. UC Davis’ Connor Sevilla drained two quick three-pointers, and Nils Cooper added three free throws after being fouled on a deep attempt. For a brief stretch, it looked like the Aggies might have the firepower to keep pace with CSUN.
But that hope quickly faded.
CSUN’s Mahmoud Fofana and PJ Fuller II scored back-to-back buckets, putting the Matadors ahead for good with 4:46 remaining in the first half. From that point on, CSUN never relinquished the lead.
Defensive Masterclass: Shutting Down Ty Johnson
The pre-game storyline for UC Davis centered around Ty Johnson, a preseason All-Big West selection and one of the conference’s most explosive guards. But CSUN’s defense had other plans.
“He’s a special player. Probably one of the best guards in the West Coast in this conference, for sure,” said Coach Andy Newman. “We decided we were going to switch ball screens and give everybody a shot at him and kind of give him different looks.”
CSUN’s defensive rotations were flawless. They switched ball screens seamlessly and sent help defenders to cut off Johnson’s driving lanes. The result? Johnson finished with 17 points on 3-for-16 shooting — a far cry from his usual production.
Newman credited his team’s commitment to the defensive plan.
“Every single guy that went through did a great job taking the challenge and keeping him in front. It was really fun to watch.”
Marcus Adams Jr. Steals the Show
Adams’ most electrifying stretch came early in the second half. With CSUN holding a eight-point lead, Adams ignited the crowd with a two-handed dunk at the 15:24 mark. Moments later, he drained three consecutive three-pointers in a two-minute span, stretching CSUN’s lead to 15 points and effectively putting the game out of reach for a struggling UC Davis offense.
“It felt great. I want to thank my teammates because, without them, I wouldn’t have gotten into that rhythm,” Adams said.
Adams’ offensive performance was anything but one-dimensional, as he showcased a versatile array of moves, including pull-up threes in transition, catch-and-shoot threes, euro steps, post moves with his back to the basket, and powerful dunks. His ability to make smart decisions with the ball and create his own shot underscores his potential as a strong contender for Big West Player of the Year, with a promising chance to excel at the next level.
Keonte Jones: The Heart and Soul of CSUN
If Adams was the offensive star, then Keonte Jones was the engine that kept CSUN running.
Jones finished with a stat line that would make Dennis Rodman proud: 13 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. But his impact went far beyond the box score. Jones was everywhere on the court — grabbing offensive boards, disrupting passing lanes, and covering for teammates’ mistakes on defense.
“He’s our leader,” Newman said. “He’s our voice in the locker room. When he’s going, our team’s going. And when he’s not going, our team struggles. His energy is infectious.”
Newman added that Jones’ ability to anticipate plays and make defensive stops was crucial.
“He covers so much ground and erases so many mistakes. You can see it. It’s like, why is anybody else even trying to get the ball? He’s going to get it.”
Unsung Hero: Mahmoud Fofana
While Adams and Jones stole the spotlight, Mahmoud Fofana quietly put together an efficient, all-around performance that was crucial to CSUN’s success.
Fofana finished with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and added 4 rebounds and solid defense. But his most impressive stat? Zero turnovers.
“You don’t see his contribution unless you’re coaching every day,” Newman said. “But he erases so many mistakes. He can guard every post player and switch onto guards seamlessly. He’s just so valuable on the defensive side of the ball.”
Coach Newman’s Takeaways: ‘A Big Week Ahead’
Looking ahead, CSUN faces a crucial test against UC Irvine next week — a matchup that could determine their standing in the Big West title race.
“I think we’ll find out next week,” Newman said. “UC Irvine is playing really good, and we’re playing really good. Thursday will be a huge test to see where we’re at.”
Newman also noted that next Saturday’s game at Bakersfield will be another physical battle.
“Bakersfield is an absolute bar fight of a game. We know that. It’s going to be a test of toughness.”
The Feel-Good Story: Adams Jr. Back Home
For Marcus Adams Jr., the win was personal. After transferring from BYU, the Torrance native decided to join CSUN to be closer to his family following the passing of his father and grandmother.
“It feels really great,” Adams said. “Seeing my family and friends in the crowd, especially after everything we’ve been through, means the world to me.”
Adams’ journey back to Southern California is about more than basketball — it’s about healing, community, and embracing a leadership role on a team that’s poised to make noise in March.
Final Thoughts
CSUN’s 73-61 win over UC Davis wasn’t just another game. It was a statement — about defense, leadership, and rising stars.
With Adams Jr. playing at an elite level and Jones anchoring the team’s defensive identity, the Matadors are showing they belong in the upper tier of the Big West.
As Coach Newman put it:
“This team has the potential to do something special. Next week will tell us a lot about where we’re headed.”
Ben, Chief Editor and Business Consultant at WCSM, is also the Chief Creative Officer at two multi-million-dollar businesses, where he has driven growth and innovation. A summa cum laude graduate with degrees in Statistics and Business Computer Information Systems, Ben has helped small businesses double their revenue, launched YouTube channels with over 50K followers, and created websites for high-profile clients in TV and film. His expertise spans content creation, video production, advertising, analytics, web design, and data analysis. Ben is eager to bring his skills to WCSM, turning their vision into impactful realities while fostering sustainable growth.
