COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two teams that made the state tournament last season and have hopes of a return to Dayton squared off at the Play By Play Classic, as Cleveland St. Ignatius held off Columbus Africentric 68-60 on Saturday.

Africentric senior Dailyn Swain started the fourth quarter with a three pointer to tie the game at 47 a piece, but Ignatius responded with a 9-0 stretch. Despite some short runs by the Nubians, Ignatius' defense created enough turnovers and was 8/9 from the free throw line to help secure the victory. 

Depth was the most noticeable difference maker, as Division I powerhouse Ignatius had nine players score, whereas the Division III Nubians recorded only two points from their bench. Swain led all scorers with 20 points and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds. But the Wildcats had a solid defensive game plan that forced the Xavier commit to have seven turnovers and the Nubians into 20 turnovers overall. 

Juniors Cortez Freeman and Laron Fuller each finished with 13 points, while senior Preston Steele had a double-double effort of his own with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Wildcats received a complete team effort, but were ultimately led by junior Ace Buckner, a 6'2 guard that has a handful of mid-major Division I offers. Buckner had a team-high 18 points and notched four steals. Sophomore Damon Friery scored 10 points, while junior guard Matt Ellis finished with nine. 

The Nubians put forth a tenacious defensive effort as they recorded 11 steals of their own and kept pace with the Wildcats through numerous points off turnovers and in transition.  Yet ultimately poor outside shooting (3/11 from deep) and free throw shooting (13/23) along with their own turnover issues prevented the Nubians from overcoming a sound team like Ignatius.

Africentric (4-2) will look to grow from the loss and get back on the winning track when they play Cincinnati College Prep at Capital on Monday.

Let's now take a look at the 5 Keys To The Game:

1. Difference in Depth: As noted above, it was hard to not notice the number of bodies that were able to contribute for Ignatius compared to Africentric. That can be the disparity when a private Division I school goes against a public Division III program. Yet Nubians coach Michael Bates intentionally builds a competitive schedule for a reason and even in defeat, this was a competitive and physical game that should make Africentric a better team come March.

2. Swain's Game: The Xavier commit really can do it all. It's expected at this point for him to stuff the stat sheet and on Saturday he did so with 20 points (3/4 from three), 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals and four blocks. As much as he can create on offense, he's probably an even better defender. That said, against high quality competition, Swain can expect a ton of attention from opposing defenses and double teams. Ignatius did a good job of putting Swain in frustrating situations which led to seven turnovers. 

3. A for Africentric's Effort: Despite the turnover woes and subpar outside shooting, no one should dismiss the effort put forth by the Nubians. Africentric gave Ignatius all they could handle, as players such as Swain, Freeman, Fuller and Steele did a great job of applying defensive pressure and making the Wildcats earn their production. With this type of consistent effort matched with notable talent, the Nubians should have a shot at redemption for a state title.

4. Role Models: At this point, every Central Ohio fan is familiar with Swain. While the Mr. Ohio candidate can mostly do it all, the Nubians can’t make a run at a state championship without solid role players. On Saturday, we saw the impact that players like Fuller and Steele can make. Fuller was a defensive pest, as he notched three steals and was involved in a majority of the Nubians points off turnovers. Steele is an intriguing and athletic big, a 6’6 forward that notched two blocks and had some impressive dunks in the open court. Stay tuned for more in the upcoming Prospect Scouting Report, but these two help make the Nubians have a complete starting five.

5. Ignatius' Igniters: From a prospect standpoint, the Wildcats have quite a bit to offer. Junior Ace Buckner is a mid-major prospect, as is 6'9 sophomore forward Damon Friery and junior guard Carter Jackson. Junior 6'8 forward Reece Robinson put forth perhaps the most complete game of any Ignatius player, with eight points, four rebounds and four steals. He is the son of first-year Cleveland State head coach Daniyal Robinson.

MVP: Ace Buckner (St. Ignatius junior guard, 18 points, 4 steals, assist, block)

Top Scorer: Dailyn Swain (Africentric senior wing, 20 points)

Hustle Player of the Game: Reece Robinson (St. Ignatius junior forward, 8 points, four rebounds, four steals, block, assist)