CSUN Dominates Nobel in Thrilling Opening Night Victory
CSUN Men’s Basketball kicked off the 2025-26 season with an emphatic 99-58 win over Nobel University at the Premier America Credit Union Arena. Five players scored in double digits, demonstrating a well-rounded team effort.
Key Performers of the Game
- Joshua O’Garro: 20 points, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks.
- Aleks Szymczyk: 15 points, 16 rebounds (first career double-double).
- Larry Hughes II: 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting.
- Mahmoud Fofana and James Evans Jr.: 10 points each.
- Josiah Davis: 7 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds.
Game Breakdown
The Matadors started strong, overcoming an initial 2-2 tie with a 15-0 scoring run. This surge was punctuated by a dunk from Szymczyk, assisted by James Evans Jr. CSUN showcased their sharpshooting, making seven three-pointers in the first half alone.
By the 12:04 mark, the team had surged to a 23-4 advantage. A significant three-pointer from Hughes II extended their lead to 37-14 with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. They concluded the first half with a commanding 48-22 lead.
Second Half Dominance
CSUN continued to dominate in the second half, starting with an 8-1 run. Another three from Hughes pushed their lead to 56-23. Josiah Davis facilitated a second-chance bucket for Mahmoud Fofana, further extending the lead to 70-32.
As the game progressed, layups from Szymczyk and Evans boosted the score to 86-36. Evans capped off the night with a remarkable dunk assisted by Davius Loury.
Game Statistics
| Statistic | CSUN | Nobel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 99 | 58 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 42.3% | N/A |
| Three-Point Percentage | 37.9% (11-of-29) | N/A |
| Free Throw Percentage | 71.0% (22-of-31) | N/A |
| Rebounds | 60 | 35 |
| Points in the Paint | 42 | 20 |
Coach’s Comments
Coach Andy Newman praised the team’s performance, stating, “It’s great to see these guys get out and get after it. You never know what to expect after 61 practices; it was good to showcase our skills in front of a crowd.”
Upcoming Matchup
Following this impressive victory, CSUN will travel to face Northern Iowa on Thursday at 5 p.m. PT. Fans can tune in to the game on ESPN, with audio coverage available through GoMatadors.com/Radio.
