ALBION — The Fairfield defense held Central Noble to just 20 points through three quarters Wednesday night, as the Falcons advanced to the Northeast Corner Conference Tournament semifinals with a 49-38 victory over the Cougars.

Fairfield (7-5) will host Angola on Friday in the semifinals. Angola advanced with a 63-50 upset victory over Fremont.

Josh Stephens led a balanced Fairfield attack with 12 points, While Marcus Rodes had 10, Garrett Scott nine and Brad Lantz eight points and nine rebounds.

Alex Vice topped Central Noble with 21 points.



NECC Tourney Quarterfinal

farifield 49, Central Noble 38

Fairfield — Josh Stephens 12, Marcus Rodes 10, Garrett Scott 9, Brad Lantz 8, Joseph Line 4, Alex Miller 2, Mitch DeWitt 2, Thomas Martin 2, John Stack 0, Nate Miller 0, Brock Geoglein 0, Clay Bontrager 0. Totals: 16 12-22 49.

Central Noble — Alex Vice 21, Connor McCoy 9, Brock Noe 3, Kevin Kennedy 2, E.J. Andrews 2, Kyle Burns 1, Tanner Likes 0, Joel Cochard 0, Jared Estep 0, Jeremy Conley 0. Totals: 12 10-17 38.

Scoring By Quarters

Fairfield 14 9 13 13 — 49

Central Noble 4 7 9 18 — 38

3-point goals: Fairfield (5) —Josh Stephens 2, Rodes 2, Scott ; Central Noble (4) — Vice 3, Noe 1.

Rebounds: Fairfield (36) — Lantz 9; Central Noble (23) — Vice 8.

Assists: Fairfield (10) — Line 4; Central Noble (4) — Noe 2.

Steals: Fairfield (7) — DeWitt 2; Central Noble (3) — Vice 2.

Turnovers: Fairfield 11, Central Noble 11.

Total fouls: Fairfield 18, Central Noble 18. Fouled out — Martin.

Records: Fairfield 7-5, Central Noble 3-9.

Next: Angola at Fairfield Friday in NECC Tourney semifinals.