Northridge Loses Game, Top Scorer

Shortly before halftime of Northridge’s 72-56 nonconference loss to San Diego before 453 on Wednesday night at Matador Gym, leading scorer Damion Morbley got into an argument on the bench with Coach Pete Cassidy.

It ended with Morbley saying he didn’t want to play for Cassidy anymore, and Cassidy obliged.

“Damion is no longer a part of our program,” Cassidy said after the game.

Morbley played only six minutes in the first half and did not return after halftime. He was not available for comment after the game.

Morbley, a 6-6 junior from Orange Coast College, came into the game averaging 16.7 points. He played in only 11 of 17 games, though, missing one while serving a team-imposed suspension, three because of his grades and two because he was sick.

Northridge (4-13) shot only 30% in the second half, after staying close or leading San Diego (8-8) for much of the first half.

San Diego’s Brian Miles led all scorers with 21 points.

Northridge forward Eric Gray, who scored 14, said the Matadors’ defense was partially to blame for San Diego’s good shooting.

“We just need to step up our defensive intensity for 40 minutes,” he said.