Fisher Gains Eligibility After Grade Review

The return of Percy Fisher gave the Cal State Northridge basketball team an emotional lift Wednesday in a 69-64 triumph over Canisius.

Fisher had been deemed academically ineligible for the second semester after his grade-point average fell one hundredth short of the required 2.0. As a result, Fisher did not accompany the Matadors on the road last weekend.

But according to Barry Smith, CSUN sports information director, a grade was miscalculated, enabling Fisher to regain his eligibility.

“It feels pretty good to be back,� Fisher said after recording one point and one assist in eight minutes.

Fisher, who missed the first semester because of poor grades, said the time away from competition “taught me a lesson.�

He would not credit his return for pumping up his teammates. “We play real well at home, whether I’m here or not.�

Last season, Fisher averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in a reserve role. Fisher (6-foot-7, 212-pounds), a graduate of Riordan High in San Francisco, was the most improved player on the Matador team last season.

He adds much-needed size to the Matadors, whose biggest players are 6-7, 300-pound senior Todd Bowser; 6-7, 210-pound junior college transfer Brian Kilian; and seldom-used 6-8 freshman Peter Micelli.

“Whether we win or lose, there aren’t going to be any more blowouts,� said forward Shelton Boykin, “especially with Percy back.�