CSUN LOSES LARRY.

Byline: Chris Branam

SACRAMENTO - In a move called ``somewhat'' surprising by his coach, senior Andre Larry left the Cal State Northridge basketball team.

Larry, a 6-foot-9 forward who was the Matadors' second-leading scorer (13.9 points per game), called CSUN coach Bobby Braswell Tuesday night.

``Andre Larry has left the team for the remainder of the season for personal reasons,'' Braswell said just before the Matadors' game against Sacramento State Thursday night, which Northridge won 76-57. ``To say the least, this is very devastating, to have a loss like this.''

Braswell said he wouldn't elaborate on Larry's decision, but he did say: ``My main concern is for Andre Larry, the person.''

Larry played almost two seasons at CSUN after transferring from Oregon in 1997. He averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds last year and he expected to be one of the top players in the Big Sky Conference this season.

After sitting out Northridge's first two games after participating in an illegal summer league, Larry became one of the Matadors' key players.

Larry had the game-winning basket in CSUN's upset win over Oregon on Dec. 11 and scored in double-figures in five consecutive games before leaving the team.

``It was a surprise to all of us,'' said junior center Brian Heinle. ``It was real emotional when (Braswell) told us.''