Final Score: Cal State Northridge 81, Pepperdine 75

Northridge, CA (Sports Network) - Donovan Johnson came off the bench to score 19 points, leading four players in double figures, as the Matadors of Cal State Northridge topped Pepperdine, 81-75, in season-opening action at The Matadome.

Josh Greene accounted for 16 points for the Matadors (1-0), followed by Stephen Maxwell and Stephen Hicks with 15 and 10 points, respectively, as the duo also combined for 13 of the team's 32 rebounds.

The Waves (0-1) were paced by Jordan Baker who dropped in a game-high 21 points, shooting 4-of-6 behind the three-point line. Lorne Jackson, who made just 1-of-9 shots from three-point range, accounted for 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Jett Raines delivered 11 points in the losing cause.

Pepperdine came out firing in the first half, converting 6-of-13 behind the three-point line and a near-perfect 8-of-9 at the charity stripe, en route to a 38-33 advantage at the break.

In the second half CSUN feasted at the free-throw line, knocking down all but one of 21 opportunities to surge ahead and claim the six-point win.

In addition to outscoring Pepperdine at the charity stripe on the night, 25-16, the Matadors also forced 23 turnovers which they converted into 30 points.

11/10 01:14:47 ET