SPENCERVILLE — Spencerville coach Kevin Sensabaugh said that without a doubt, it was the best defensive game his team had played in a long time.

Lincolnview won’t question that.

The Bearcats dominated from start to finish Friday night, routing the Lancers 60-31. Spencerville is now 11-7 overall and 7-1 in the Northwest Conference. Lincolnview is 8-12 and 4-4.

The Bearcats will play at Paulding next Friday for at least a share of the NWC crown. Lima Central Catholic — also 7-1 in the NWC — hosts Bluffton.

Junior point guard Ben Bowers scored seven first-quarter points on two treys and a free throw to stake the ‘Cats to a 13-3 lead after one period.

Spencerville was even hotter in the second stanza, leading 33-10 at the rest break. At that point, the hosts were shooting 52 percent (11-of-21) from the field, while the visitors were struggling mightily at 17 percent (3-of-18).