BASKETBALL TEAM FINDING ITS WAY.

Byline: Brian Dohn Daily News Staff Writer

Defense and rebounding. For two weeks, they've been the primary focus of Cal State Northridge's men's basketball practices.

Following the Matadors' 84-78 win against the California All-Stars on Sunday, the transition part of defense, and rebounding, will remain the focal points.

``I was generally pleased, but . . . we didn't box out well, gave up too many second chances and our transition defense wasn't good,'' CSUN coach Bobby Braswell said. ``Our ability to stop people from scoring and limiting their number of shots to the basket is what's important to me right now.''

The Matadors, who open the regular season Nov. 14 at Long Beach State, are trying to improve upon the second-worst scoring defense in the Big Sky last season.

CSUN held the All-Stars to 41.5 percent shooting from the field, but a 46-34 rebounding deficit against CSUN allowed too many second-chance points. CSUN yielded 16 offensive rebounds.

``We're not used to playing with each other yet,'' said highly touted 6-foot-9 junior Rico Harris, who had eight points. ``I think we need more help to the middle. I took two charges and that needs to rub off on my teammates. We have to help each other out.''

Greg Minor led CSUN with 18 points. Brian Heinle added 14 points and Andre Larry had 10.

Calloway visits: Long Beach Jordan's Craig Calloway, a 6-foot combination guard, concluded his official visit to CSUN by taking in the exhibition game.

``I have mixed feelings (about signing early), but I like what I saw here,'' Calloway said. ``I liked the experience and liked the atmosphere.'' Calloway was offered a scholarship but wanted to talk things over with his parents. Calloway, who averaged 15.5 points and 4.5 assists per game last season, is also a ``God-brother'' of CSUN forward Andre Larry. This was Calloway's first visit and he doesn't have any more planned. But he said Loyola Marymount and Long Beach State are also in the picture.

Free throws: Because Utah was invited to the John Wooden Classic next season, the school has backed out of an oral agreement to play at CSUN. Utes assistant coach Donny Daniels said the school is willing to host the Matadors in 2000-01 with a guarantee near $40,000. However, Braswell said he didn't expect that to happen, though he remained optimistic CSUN would play in next season's Great Alaska Shootout and travel to Minnesota. . . . Jermar Welch, a 6-6 sophomore, was on the bench in street clothes and will be eligible to play Dec. 19 against UCLA.