NILES, Illinois — Behind a dominant second quarter and a balanced scoring attack, Northridge powered past Marengo 71-44 to capture the Regional Quarterfinal at home and punch their ticket to the next round of the IHSA state tournament. With the win, the Knights advance to the IHSA Regional Semifinals where they will face Rockford Lutheran.

The Knights opened the game on a blistering 9-2 run, fueled by sharp shooting from beyond the arc. In the opening two minutes, senior Billy Arnold knocked down a three-pointer that was sandwiched between two triples from senior Tanner Johnson, electrifying the home crowd and forcing Marengo to regroup early. Marengo responded and settled into the game, trimming the deficit to 16-12 by the end of the first quarter. That was as close as it would get.

Late in the second quarter, Arnold caught fire. The senior guard found his rhythm offensively, knocking down shots from all levels and stretching the Knights' lead to a commanding margin before the break. By halftime, Northridge had built a 41-21 cushion, a 20-point advantage that put the game firmly in their control.

Northridge's offensive efficiency and defensive intensity carried through the second half as they closed out the 27-point victory. Sophomore Ben Lukens led the Knights with 21 points, impacting the game on both ends of the floor, while senior Billy Arnold added 20 points and 4 assists. Senior Tanner Johnson also contributed 17 points.

Up next for the Knights is Rockford Lutheran, a team that defeated Northridge 60-41 earlier this season in Rockford during the second week of play.

Riding postseason momentum, Northridge will look to flip the script in the Regional Semifinal.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Marengo High School.