UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio -- It has been a long nine months since Africentric lost to Wellington in the Division IV regional final. On Friday, it appeared the Nubians had not forgotten nor forgiven Wellington, taking down the Jaguars on the road, 69-59.

The key for Africentric was its upperclassmen backcourt of senior Landon Martin and junior Tre Baumgardner, who combined for 45 points. Martin set the tone early on, scoring 19 points in the first half and knocking down three triples. Martin would kick to Baumgardner for a deep three to end the first half, as Africentric took a 31-27 lead into halftime and never looked back.

For what Martin did in the first half, Baumgardner nearly duplicated in the second half, dominating from the opening possession of the third quarter to given the Nubians a 52-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Africentric would prevent any Wellington rally, as the Nubians' fullcourt pressure forced the Jaguars into an array of costly mistakes. The Nubians also impressed from the perimeter, knocking down 10 threes, nine more than they hit in their last matchup vs. Wellington.

Martin's 25 points were a game-high, as the 6-foot-2 senior added five rebounds and six assists to his stat line. Waiting his turn at Africentric, Martin has become a leader for this Nubians team as a senior, taking over from the jump against one of the best Division IV teams in the state.

Baumgardner, another player who has had to wait his turn, took over in the second half, scoring 14 of his 20 points in the final two quarters and providing for a steady presence in the backcourt. Outside of knocking down three triples, Baumgardner controlled the game for Africentric, creating plays and getting to the rim all game long.

Outside of its backcourt, junior big man Jah Bennett added nine points and four rebounds, while sophomore wing Anthony Bowman added seven points.

For Wellington, the Jaguars struggled to find a consistent rhythm for the majority of the night, falling behind early and never really gaining control of Friday's game. Senior center Dustin Harder led all scorers with 18 points, knocking down four threes and grabbing nine rebounds. Senior post Adam Porter added 10 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while junior wing Noah Berry added nine points, four rebounds and four assists.

With injuries and two impact transfers ineligible for the first 11 games, Wellington is a bit shorthanded at the moment. Dropping its regular season matchup to Africentric last year, the Jaguars will look to reverse its fortunes in the tournament for the second year in a row.

For the Nubians, Friday's win in a hostile environment is an encouraging sign for a team with a great deal of inexperience. With Martin and Baumgardner controlling the backcourt, Africentric will have a chance to make some noise in a City League South that is as open as ever.