COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Northland Vikings took to the road on Tuesday night  to face City League North foe Centennial in a highly-anticipated matchup. The Vikings looked to stay undefeated in conference play, while avoiding an upset loss like the one Centennial gave Beechcroft this past Friday.

Northland would do just that, repelling a late Centennial surge to come away with a 58-52 win on the road.

The game started off with Northland using its length to disturb Centennial, causing turnovers which turned into easy transition points. Junior wing Jejaun Weatherspoon set the tone of tough inside defense with three blocks early, helping Northland stifle Centennial to head into the second quarter with a 17-7 lead.

Centennial was able to turn up their defensive intensity and make a 7-0 run in the early moments of the second quarter. However, as was the story all Tuesday night, when Centennial swung hard, Northland hit back harder, responding with a run of their own.  In a quarter filled with turnovers and free throws, Northland entered halftime with a 33-24 advantage.

The second half started with three Centennial turnovers and three Northland dunks which gave the Vikings the momentum it needed to pull away -- momentarily. Just when things were starting to look grave for the Stars, senior wing Kylen Gilbert of Centennial exploded for an 11-point third quarter, keeping his team afloat.

Northland took Centennial's knockout blow once again, and remained strong, holding a 49-39 lead after the third quarter.

When it appeared Northland was going to be able to kill the clock and cruise into an easy road win, Centennial senior guard Javantae Tribblett showed he had other plans. Scoring seven-straight points to anchor a ferocious comeback, Tribblett helped Centennial get Northland on the ropes late. 

Centennial would pull within three late, but Northland would knock down clutch free throws behind senior guard Brandon Waugh, coming away with a 58-52 win on the road in a hostile environment.

Northland was led by senior wing KeShawn Underwood, who finished with a team-high 17 points. Since enrolling at Northland, Underwood has led the team in scoring, scoring at least 16 points in the last four games.

Underwood was joined in double-figures by sophomore wing William Mfum, who added a career-high 13 points. Waugh added eight points, despite battling foul trouble in the first half, while sophomore guard N'Keeley Elmore added eight points of his own off the bench.

For Centennial, Gilbert led all scorers with 18 points. Tribblett added 14 points, seven of which in his rally in the fourth quarter, while junior wing Craig Burt added 10 points of his own.

With the win, Northland remains unbeaten in City League play, further positioning itself for another North division title. The Vikings will get a week off before heading to Detroit for the Motor City Invite next Tuesday.

For Centennial, the Stars will look to rebound on Friday at home vs. area rival Dublin Scioto.