Cal State Northridge Edges Cal Poly in Close Contest
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Premier America Credit Union Arena
Cal State Northridge Matadors 95, Cal Poly Mustangs 90, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cal Poly Mustangs vs Cal State Northridge Matadors?
Cal State Northridge Matadors beat Cal Poly Mustangs 95-90 at Premier America Credit Union Arena on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Cal Poly Mustangs vs Cal State Northridge Matadors?
Cal State Northridge Matadors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Cal State Northridge Matadors narrowly defeated the Cal Poly Mustangs with a final score of 95-90. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Matadors improving their record to 11-7 while the Mustangs fell to 6-12. The game took place at the Premier America Credit Union Arena, where the Matadors have been particularly strong, boasting a home record of 6-4 in their last ten games.
Cal State Northridge entered the game on a one-game winning streak, having won their previous match against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, 74-65. Over their last ten games, they have averaged 80.7 points scored and allowed 76.9 points, highlighting their offensive capabilities. At home, they have been particularly effective, with a perfect home record of 5-0 in their last five games. Their scoring average at home has been even higher, at 84.4 points per game, while allowing 76.6 points.
On the other hand, the Cal Poly Mustangs have struggled recently, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak after losing to Long Beach State Beach, 66-74. The Mustangs have averaged 80.0 points scored while allowing a staggering 85.0 points in their last ten outings. Their away record stands at 1-3, which reflects their difficulties in securing wins outside their home court. In their last five games, they have only managed one victory, scoring an average of 76.0 points while conceding 82.6.
The match was closely contested throughout, with several key moments in the second half. Notably, Joshua O'Garro made a driving layup to bring the Mustangs within three points at 86-89. Cayden Ward then added two free throws, further narrowing the gap to 88-89. However, the Matadors responded with a critical three-pointer from James Evans Jr., assisted by Josiah Davis, extending their lead to 92-88. Davis then converted four consecutive free throws, pushing the score to 95-88 before Peter Bandelj's layup for the Mustangs closed the gap to 90-95 as time ran out.
Historically, the Matadors have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Mustangs, winning both encounters in the 2025 season. They won 89-85 at home and 102-91 away, showcasing their ability to compete effectively against Cal Poly.
In terms of betting lines, DraftKings set the spread at CSUN -6.5, with a total of 175.5 for the game. The odds for the Matadors to win straight up were -325.0, while the Mustangs were listed at 260.0. This indicates a strong belief in the Matadors' chances, reflecting their recent form and home advantage.
Overall, the game was a testament to the intensity of college basketball, with both teams displaying resilience and skill. The Matadors' ability to maintain composure in critical moments ultimately secured their victory, while the Mustangs will look to regroup and improve their performance in future matchups.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CSUN -6.5 | 175.5 o -112 / u -108 | Cal Poly Mustangs +260 · Cal State Northridge Matadors -325 |
Leaders
- PointsJosiah Davis23Cal State Northridge Matadors
- AssistsJosiah Davis15Cal State Northridge Matadors
- ReboundsJoshua O'Garro11Cal State Northridge Matadors
- PointsHamad Mousa34Cal Poly Mustangs
- AssistsJake Davis4Cal Poly Mustangs
- ReboundsHamad Mousa7Cal Poly Mustangs
Recent form
Cal State Northridge Matadors
Last 10: 6-4Streak W180.7 scored · 76.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W74-65vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosJan 3
- L80-89at UC Davis AggiesJan 1
- L80-88at Stanford CardinalDec 28
- W100-88vs Sacramento State HornetsDec 23
- W88-53vs La Sierra Golden EaglesDec 19
- W88-66at Delaware Blue HensDec 13
- W89-87vs Fresno State BulldogsDec 11
- L71-85at UC Irvine AnteatersDec 7
- W87-66vs Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersDec 5
- L50-82at Idaho State BengalsNov 28
Cal Poly Mustangs
Last 10: 3-7Streak L180 scored · 85 allowed per game1-3 away
- L66-74at Long Beach State BeachJan 4
- W67-65vs UC San Diego TritonsJan 2
- L80-83vs Idaho VandalsDec 22
- L87-108at UCLA BruinsDec 20
- L80-83vs Montana State BobcatsDec 17
- L84-88vs UC Riverside HighlandersDec 7
- W94-91at Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 5
- W87-81vs Redlands BulldogsNov 30
- L68-84vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksNov 26
- L87-93at Northern Arizona LumberjacksNov 25
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Cal Poly Mustangs | Cal State Northridge Matadors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-70 | 35-67 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 16-44 | 9-20 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 45 |
| Free throws | 16-21 | 16-27 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 34 |
| Assists | 12 | 20 |
| Steals | 12 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 52 |
| Fouls | 20 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 73 | 18 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-52Joshua O'Garro makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-53Joshua O'Garro makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-53Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-53Cayden Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-54Josiah Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-54Kieran Elliott makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-54Jake Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-54Jake Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-57Josiah Davis makes 27-foot three point jumper (Davius Loury assists)
- 2nd Half68-59Josiah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-62James Evans Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Josiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half70-62Hamad Mousa makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half70-64Josiah Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half70-65Mahmoud Fofana makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-66Joshua O'Garro makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-67Joshua O'Garro makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-67Hamad Mousa makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half73-69Josiah Davis makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half73-72James Evans Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half76-72Cayden Ward makes 26-foot three point jumper (Hamad Mousa assists)
- 2nd Half76-74Mahmoud Fofana makes layup (Josiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half78-74Hamad Mousa makes layup
- 2nd Half78-76Josiah Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half78-78Josiah Davis makes driving layup (James Evans Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half81-78Hamad Mousa makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half81-81Joshua O'Garro makes 27-foot three point jumper (Josiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half83-81Kieran Elliott makes layup (Cayden Ward assists)
- 2nd Half83-82Josiah Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-83Josiah Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-85Mahmoud Fofana makes layup (Josiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half83-87Joshua O'Garro makes layup
- 2nd Half86-87Guzman Vasilic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Peter Bandelj assists)
- 2nd Half86-89Joshua O'Garro makes driving layup
- 2nd Half87-89Cayden Ward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-89Cayden Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-92James Evans Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Josiah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half88-93Josiah Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-94Josiah Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-95Josiah Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-95Peter Bandelj makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Cal State Northridge Matadors, below favours Cal Poly Mustangs.
Venue
- Premier America Credit Union ArenaNorthridge, CA
- Attendance625
- OfficialsRandy Heimerman, Randy McCall, Jeff Malham
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