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Tiffin University (17-8) controlled the tempo from the outset, beating Kentucky Wesleyan for the second time in a week 70-56 in the NCAA Atlantic Region Quarterfinals in Columbus, Ohio.

The Dragons continued their recent hot streak with more trademark defense and rebounding. They outshot the Panthers 48 percent to 40 percent, including holding KWC to just 25 percent from three point. TU, meanwhile, was red hot from outside, burying 50 percent of their treys.

TU also held a commanding 41-24 edge in rebounding.

Tied early 4-4, the Dragons grabbed the reins early, going on a 9-0 run to jump out to a 13-4 lead. They eventually ended the opening quarter up 16-11.

The Dragons turned up the heat on both ends of the floor in the second quarter, blasting past KWC 23-9 in the period to hold a big 39-20 halftime advantage.

TU pushed its lead to as much as 23 points, leading 45-22 early in the third quarter, but the Panthers were not ready to quit. KWC put together a huge run of its own, outscoing TU over the rest of the quarter 23-8 to pull to within 53-45 with 8:44 left in the game.

Tiffin held its composure, though, closing out the game on a 17-11 run that knocked the Panthers out of the tourney.

Once again, Aarion Nichols led the attack. Nichols nearly posted a triple-double with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jasmine Watts was the only other Dragons player in double figures, adding 11 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.

Jessica Chase totaled 9 points, while Jada Tate had 7 points and 10 rebounds. Savanah Richards and Danelle Bradley each had 7 points.

TU will now take on Glenville State in the region semifinals March 13 at 8:45 pm.