The CSUN men’s basketball team pushed Wichita State to the brink in a hard-fought season opener on Wednesday, ultimately falling 79-67 at Charles Koch Arena. Despite trailing by only a single point with less than six minutes remaining in the contest, the Matadors were unable to overcome a late surge from the Shockers, who closed the game on a 16-5 run to secure the win.
The matchup proved to be a defensive struggle, with both teams shooting under 40 percent from the field. While CSUN stayed competitive for nearly 40 minutes, the Shockers’ ability to capitalize in the final moments—coupled with a dominant interior performance—proved decisive in front of a crowd of 6,316, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Mikah Ballew and William Berg Lead Scoring Efforts
Matadors newcomer Mikah Ballew led the team with 17 points and five rebounds in his debut, while Josiah Davis added 15 points and six assists. CSUN’s bench provided a significant lift, outscoring the Wichita State reserves 21-8. Keziah Ekissi made an immediate impact in his first game for the Matadors, hitting three of his four field goals from beyond the arc to finish with 11 points.
Wichita State’s victory was anchored by center William Berg, who recorded a career-high 26 points and 16 rebounds. According to reporting from Yahoo Sports, Berg’s presence was a major factor, as the Shockers outscored CSUN by 22 points during the 28 minutes he was on the floor. Kenyon Giles also contributed 21 points and a career-high eight assists for Wichita State.
The game remained tight throughout the second half. A defensive stand by the Matadors held Wichita State to just one point over a five-minute stretch mid-way through the half, allowing CSUN to pull within 61-60 following a putback layup by Caleb Smith with less than eight minutes to play. However, the Shockers’ finishing kick, led by a 6-0 burst in the final four minutes, widened the gap.
Andy Newman Reflects on Efficiency Gaps and Turnovers
The statistical breakdown highlights the efficiency gaps that defined the night. While CSUN held a 48-46 rebounding advantage and a 15-9 edge in second-chance points, the Matadors were hindered by 11 turnovers compared to just three for Wichita State. The Matadors shot 36.4 percent overall, while the Shockers finished at 37.3 percent from the field.
Following the game, CSUN head coach Andy Newman emphasized the effort of his squad in a challenging road environment. “We were right there. A one possession game, all the way through until the five-minute mark,” Newman said. “I thought Josiah had some really good looks at the basket, and we just didn’t convert. Had some good shots, guys played their butts off, just didn’t make enough shots down the stretch to stay up with them.”
| Statistic | CSUN | Wichita State |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 36.4% | 37.3% |
| Turnovers | 11 | 3 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 46 |
CSUN now looks ahead to its next road test against Kansas State, scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. PT. The game will be available for viewing on ESPN+, with audio coverage provided at GoMatadors.com.
