Who? The Matadors of Cal State Northridge. You'll also hear them just called Northridge.
What? Ole! They're the only Matadors in the country. Matty derives from the region's Spanish heritage.
Where? Northridge, California. Known for a major earthquake.
When? March 15th, in Anaheim, California.
Why? They won the Big West conference tournament.
How? Ashlee Guay had 25 points, Janae Sharpe had 17, and the Matadors clamped down on defense to rein in the Mustangs, 73-58.
Surprise? Predicted to finish third in the conference, they claimed the regular season title.
RPI: 167
SOS: 180
Record: 17-14 (12-4 Big West)
Good wins: USC.
Bad losses: Santa Clara.
Who's driving this thing? Jason Flowers, since 2010. He's spent his entire career in Southern California, both as a player and as a coach.
Extra, Extra! To be honest, I get most of my SoCal news from hoopism.
It's a three-point attack for the Matadors, spearheaded by junior guards Ashlee Guay (16.0 points) and Cinnamon Lister (15.5 points) per game. The duo combines for more than 13 three-point attempts per game. Guay also averages four assists and 1.5 steals. Junior center Camille Mahlknecht provides a little substance down low, with 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game.
Random things that may only please me: the Northridge N that becomes the matador's cape. Also, the Lister family's fondness for names that smell good (her twin sister, at Vanderbilt, is Jasmine).