IRISH TO FACE #1 NORTHLAND

Columbus Northland took the lead early in the fourth quarter and earned a 70-64 win over Grove City on Thursday night and advanced to the Columbus Regional Final on Saturday night in the Fairgrounds Coliseum where they will face the Irish.

Grove City jumped out to a 27-21 lead after one quarter and held a nine point lead late in the second quarter until Trey Burke’s three-pointer as the clock wound down cut the lead to 44-38. Northland still trailed 53-52 entering the final stanza, but took control of the game quickly.

The Vikings, who finished #1 in the Associated Press Division I State Poll and the Columbus Dispatch Area Coaches Poll, are now 24-1. Their only loss came in overtime at state-ranked Canton Timken. The Greyhounds, co-champions of the Ohio Capital Conference – Ohio Division finished the season 22-3.

A preview of tomorrow’s regional final will appear later.