After starting the Big West Conference season 3-0, the Matadors dropped their first league game, losing a close one to UC Davis, 55-53, Thursday night on the road.

With the Aggies (10-6, 2-2) missing numerous free throws down the stretch, CSUN (8-8, 3-1), which is off to its best start in league play since the 2004-05 season, had plenty of chances to steal the game and improve to 4-0. However, Northridge could not come up with the game-tying or go-ahead basket as the Matadors missed four shots in the final 30 seconds of regulation, including three easy layups.

Before its shooting woes, CSUN did come up with a clutch basket. Trailing 54-50 with 1:28 left on the clock, freshman guard Ashlee Guay knocked down a three-pointer to pull the Matadors within one.

After a missed shot by Aggie Hana Asano, Guay had an opportunity to add to her heroics but turned the ball over. Janae Sharpe quickly stole the ball back, giving CSUN a chance to tie or take the lead with 34 seconds left..

That’s when the Matadors blunders at the rim began. Sophomore guard Haley White missed a layup, CSUN center Jasmine Erving grabbed the offensive rebound and also missed the put-back basket.

The Matadors fouled on the other end as UC Davis hit one of two free throws to take a 55-53 lead. Guay missed a layup with 19 seconds left to add to CSUN’s misery.

Forward Violet Alama recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Erving chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Matadors will try to bounce back with a road matchup against Pacific on Saturday.