Northeastern controlled Oak Hill for three quarters. The script was flipped in the fourth quarter as Oak Hill turned up the pressure.

Florida Southern-bound guard Tyler Smith was the sparkplug for Northeastern. His aggressive, slashing style helped Northeastern to a 17-point lead in the first three quarter. Smith wasn’t overly efficient but he was scoring, rebounding and setting up his teammates.  

Junior forward Freeman Brou was really good for Northeastern as well. Through three quarters, Brou had 10 points and seven rebounds. Brou and Smith had Northeastern up 50-33 after three.

Spencer Ballinger took over the game for Oak Hill. He made plays seemingly on every possession. The junior scored 16 of his game-high 24 points. He also had a couple of steals as well as plenty of assists and rebounds.

Oak Hill chipped away at the Northeastern lead by getting stops then converting on the other end. Ballinger and classmate Caleb Middlesworth were huge. Oak Hill took the lead at the 1:07 mark with a putback plus the foul by Middlesworth. He finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Oak Hill outscored Northeastern 35-13 in the fourth quarter. Oak Hill scored 33 points in the first three quarters.

Oak Hill – Konner Cabe 3 points, 2 rebounds, Spencer Ballinger 24 points (9-21 FG, 3-12 3FG, 3-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, Tyce Frank 10 points, 9 assists, David Arens 7 points (1-10 FG, 0-6 3FG, 5-7 FT), 9 rebounds, Caleb Middlesworth 20 points (8-11 FG, 1-2 3FG, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds, Reid Newhouse 4 points, 4 rebounds

Northeastern – Tyler Smith 23 points (9-22 FG, 0-4 3FG, 5-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers, Kaleb Mikesell 2 points, Jalen Hillard 4 points, 4 rebounds, Freeman Brou 10 points (4-8FG), 7 rebounds, Nate Reynolds 7 points, 6 rebounds, Jordan Stolle 9 points (3-6 FG), Alex Reynolds 2 points