NORTHRIDGE -- Cal State LA's men's basketball team gave Division I Cal State Northridge all it could handle Thursday in an entertaining exhibition game in Matador Gym.

The Golden Eagles battled back from an 18-point deficit in the first and a 15-point deficit in the second half and made the Matadors work for an 89-87 victory. Cal State LA sliced the margin to 54-43 by halftime and outscored Cal State Northridge, 44-35, in the second half.

Fard Muhammad had a huge game for the Golden Eagles, scoring 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He led five Cal State LA players in double figures. Jordan Rogers had 14 points in a big performance, Simon Okolue had 11 points and four rebounds, Shacquille Dawkins had 10 points and Jihad Woods had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Cal State LA was 31-of-71 (43.7 percent), while Cal State Northridge shot 50.7 percent and made 36-of-71. The Golden Eagles made 11-of-32 attempts from 3-point range, while the Matadors were 7-of-18. The Golden Eagles were 14-of-18 from the free-throw line, while the Matadors were just 10-of-21.

Cal State LA was out-rebounded 43-39 and forced 17 turnovers while committing 15.

Cal State LA will open the regular season on Friday, Nov. 9 against Concordia-Irvine in the PacWest/CCAA Crossover at Biola.