ELKHART – Defense was the name of the game in the Elkhart Sectional Friday night.

Northridge and Elkhart Memorial each earned semifinal wins thanks to their work on the defensive end in the Class 4-A tourney at North Side Gym.

The Raiders topped Goshen 44-31 in the first game and Memorial edged past city rival Central 36-32 in the nightcap.

Northridge (13-10) meets Memorial (12-12) in the sectional final Saturday at 7 p.m. The Raiders bested the Crimson Chargers 63-55 in an NLC meeting in January.

Northridge dug a quick 8-0 hole versus Goshen before recovering nicely. The Raiders led 9-8 after the opening period and 19-18 at halftime en route to the win. Northridge pulled away in the second half.

Conner Utley led the way for the Raiders with 20 points.

Will Line, who led Goshen past Warsaw in the sectional opener Tuesday night, had 10 points.

Goshen finishes its season at 11-13.

Memorial made enough plays to overcome a tough shooting night and foul trouble to top Central.

The Chargers, who lost to Central during the regular season, shot just 13-43 in the win. Central was just 12-37, including 5-19 in the second half. The Blue Blazers also had 18 turnovers.

Memorial led 13-11 after the opening period before Central took a 21-18 halftime lead. Memorial was up 28-27 at the end of the third period before outscoring Central 8-5 in the final frame.

Trey Gallope led Memorial with nine points.

Richard Wayker led Central with seven points. Central finishes its season 10-13.