NORWICH – Since getting a scare against Oneonta about 3 1/2 weeks ago, Norwich’s level of play has risen to the level of exquisite.

The four wins ensuing an 69-62 overtime win over the Yellowjackets on Jan. 23 have come against teams with .500 or better records, the average margin of victory is 21.5 points per game, one came on the road against STAC division champion Seton Catholic Central – a club that defends its home turf like King Leonidas protected Sparta – and each of the four clubs has wilted on the offensive end in the second half.

Those four clubs are only scoring 17.5 points per contest after intermission, so tonight’s STAC semifinal playoff game opponent, Elmira Southside, may want to pile up the points early before the Norwich defense settles in.

Norwich gives up just 45.5 points a contest, tied for first among STAC teams, yet the Mark Abbott-led purple contingent faces an Elmira club that is the highest scoring team in the league.

Led by 20-point-a-game scorer Mike Backer, the Green Hornets average 70 points per game on offense, and have scored less than 60 just four times this season. The lowest was a 54-point outing in a five-point defeat to Binghamton last month. Other than a 29-point drubbing at the hands of Henninger of Syracuse early in the season, Elmira has played even its toughest opponents tight. Count a 14-point victory over a fully-stocked Vestal club as among its most impressive wins this season.