SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — Cal State Northridge built a large first-half lead and withstood a fierce UC San Diego comeback to earn an 84-79 victory in a Big West Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at RIMAC Arena.

The Matadors led 39-30 at halftime and extended their advantage before the Tritons mounted a second-half charge, outscoring Northridge 49-45 after intermission. James Evans scored 22 points and Josiah Davis added 23 for the Matadors. Alex Chaikin led UC San Diego with 22 points.

Cal State Northridge improved to 11-8 overall. UC San Diego fell to 13-5. Attendance was 3,117.