COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Longtime rivals Groveport and Pickerington Central parted ways after last year in the Ohio Division, as a part of the OCC realignment, but the two decided to meet up once more as non-conference foes. 

The rematch was nothing but kind to the Tigers, using a big second quarter stretch to blow past once undefeated tenth-ranked Groveport 72-49 on Tuesday night. Four players finished in double figures for the No. 2 team in Central Ohio, with Adrian Nelson leading the way with 16 points. Junior guard Corey Baker dazzled for the Cruisers in the loss, contributing all of his game-high 18 points in the opening three quarters.

Baker actually started the scoring on the night as well, knocking down a triple on the game's first possession to give Groveport an early advantage. Central's Juan Elmore would answer back with a score of his own, and the teams would continue to trade scores. The Cruisers were able to hang tough deep into the opening quarter, leading 8-7 with just over a minute to go.

The momentum would flip however in the next few possessions in the frame, as sophomore point guard Jeremiah Francis would find ways to slash through the Groveport defense. His ability to get to the rim quickly was key, scoring a transition layup to first give the Tigers the lead, and then push the margin to three as time dwindled down by attacking to the rim. Francis was yet again the offensive kick-starter for Pickerington Central, finishing with 12 points.

The second quarter would be all Tigers, and due in large part to hitting shots from beyond the arc. Freshman Josiah Fulcher would begin to bomb away from deep, hitting four threes in the quarter alone, pushing the margin at halftime to 32-21. Fulcher would finish as the third player in double figures, with 14.

North Carolina-signee Sterling Manley was the fourth player in double figures, and did most of his damage in the second half by scoring from the block and drawing contact. Manley and Groveport's Lony Francis were an interesting subplot of Tuesday's game, with the two matched up all night long. Francis was able to finish in double figures as well, collecting 13 points, 11 of which came in the second half.

With the win, Pickerington Central will now get a ten-day rest over Christmas break, as they will not play again until traveling to Walnut Ridge on Dec. 30. Groveport will get a week off before heading to play in a holiday tournament in Pittsburgh, starting with a game against Bethel Park (PA) on Dec. 27.