Ohio Northern (9-5) vs. Baldwin Wallace (11-3)

Big one in the OAC taking place Wednesday that features two of the top OAC teams as Ohio Northern and Baldwin Wallace faceoff in a matchup that has quickly turned into one of the better conference rivalries.

Ohio Northern enters at 9-5 and is coming off a win over Transylvania, looking to build momentum and grab a major conference victory. The Polar Bears have been battle-tested throughout the season and have shown they can compete in tight games, something that will be key in a matchup like this.

Offensively, ONU will look to Jack Chaney (27 pts) and Ben Gridley (21 pts) to lead the way, while defensively Ryan Frech (16 CTs, 31 GBs, 3 pts) and Alex Bergeron (15 CTs, 27 GBs, 1 pt) anchor a unit that thrives on creating disruption and winning ground balls.

Baldwin Wallace comes in at 11-3 and remains undefeated in conference play this season. The Yellow Jackets have been consistent, explosive, and have shown they can put pressure on opponents quickly.

The offense is powered by a dynamic trio in Noah Dodgion (54 pts), Bennet Trout (53 pts), and Paxton Allison (46 pts), with Reichen Geiselhart (40 pts) adding yet another weapon. This is a group that can score in bunches and force defenses into tough matchups all over the field.

These two met twice in 2025, splitting the series in dramatic fashion. Baldwin Wallace took the regular season matchup 8-7 in a defensive battle, but Ohio Northern got its revenge when it mattered most, winning 10-9 in the conference championship to punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament. With that history, there’s no doubt this game carries extra meaning for both sides.

DeeThreeLax Take Baldwin Wallace brings elite offensive firepower and comes in undefeated in conference play, but ONU has already proven it can win this matchup in big moments. If ONU can slow the game down and make this a grind, they will be right there at the end of the game, but if Baldwin Wallace gets into rhythm offensively, they’ll be tough to contain. Expect a high-intensity game that could come down to the final minute of the game. 

Hope (13-0) vs. Albion (8-5)

A great MIAA matchup on Wednesday as undefeated Hope takes on reigning conference tournament champion Albion in a game that should make for an exciting one. 

Hope enters at a perfect 13-0 and has looked dominant all season, establishing itself as the clear team to beat in the MIAA. The Flying Dutchmen have been firing on all cylinders, combining elite offensive production with strong defensive play to control games from start to finish.

The offense is powered by Gibson Heethuis (82 pts), one of the most productive players in the country, alongside Preston Hoexum (56 pts) and Jack Zuiderveen (30 pts). That trio gives Hope the ability to overwhelm defenses quickly. On the defensive end, John Foster (26 CTs, 46 GBs, 3 pts)and Tyler Berens (25 CTs, 32 GBs, 5 pts)have been key contributors, helping create turnovers and limit opposing opportunities.

Albion comes in at 8-5 and brings the confidence of being the reigning MIAA tournament champions. The Britons have had a solid season and will look at this matchup as an opportunity to make a statement against the conference’s top team.

Offensively, Albion is led by a high-powered group in Cal Stearns (68 pts), Luke Schuemann (49 pts), and TJ Antonino (30 pts), a group that can generate offense in bunches. Defensively, Carter Kildea (18 CTs, 23 GBs) will be a key piece in trying to slow down Hope’s explosive attack.

These teams met in the 2025 regular season, where Hope controlled the game in a 15-8 win, showcasing their ability to dictate tempo and limit Albion’s scoring opportunities.

DeeThreeLax Take
Hope is the clear favorite coming in, and rightfully so with an undefeated record and one of the most explosive offenses in the country. But Albion knows how to compete in conference games and pull out tight ones down the stretch. If the Britons can control possessions and capitalize on their opportunities, they have the potential to make this interesting, but Hope’s depth and firepower make them tough to pick against.

York (12-1) vs. Stevenson (5-7)

A staple matchup in the MAC Commonwealth, York vs. Stevenson once again takes center stage as two familiar rivals battle for position at the top of the conference.

York enters at 12-1 and has been a top 10 team all season long in DeeThreeLax. The Spartans have stacked impressive wins and continue to show why they’re firmly in the national conversation. Their ability to overwhelm teams offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence has made them incredibly difficult to beat.

The offense is loaded with firepower, led by Davis Fisher (55 pts), Nate Schilling (49 pts), Cory Bergmann (47 pts), and Gavin Gismondi (38 pts), a group that can score in waves. Defensively, York is just as strong, with Colin Kane (19 CTs, 40 GBs, 1 pt), Bear Evans (15 CTs, 42 GBs, 2 pts), and Nate Samson (15 CTs, 18 GBs) anchoring a unit that thrives on creating turnovers and limiting quality looks.

Stevenson comes in at 5-7, but the record can be a bit misleading. The Mustangs have played one of the tougher schedules in the country and have consistently shown they can compete with top tier teams. This is a group that is battle-tested and dangerous, especially in conference play.

The Stevenson offense is led by Darrell Curtis (56 pts), Max Racich (52 pts), and Gavin Gossen (48 pts). This groups has powered through a tough start and kept Stevenson in games by showing they can score early and often and will look to get going on Wednesday against York. On Defense Stevenson has Dominic Jennings (14 CTs, 16 GBs), Camden Miller (13 CTs, 20 GBs), and Nick Leahan (10 CTs, 17 GBs) holding it down and will look to limit the offensive production for York. 

These two met in the MAC Commonwealth Championship Game last season, where York pulled away for a 16-10 win. It was a high-level battle, with York ultimately creating separation late.

DeeThreeLax Take
York is the clear favorite coming in with its record and offensive firepower, but this matchup always carries a different kind of energy. Stevenson has been through a gauntlet of a schedule and won’t be fazed by the moment. If the Mustangs can slow the game down and make this a physical battle, things could get interesting late. Still, York’s depth and scoring ability make them tough to pick against, but don’t be surprised if this one is tighter than expected heading into the fourth quarter.

Washington College (11-3) vs. Swarthmore (9-5)

A good Centennial Conference matchup here as Washington College and Swarthmore take the field in a game that could have teams jockey for position near the top of the standings.

Washington College enters at 11-3 and looks like a completely different team from a year ago. The Shoremen have put together an impressive season, already stacking double-digit wins and proving they can compete with some of the best teams in the conference, including an early season win over Dickinson. This is a group playing with confidence and looking to keep building momentum.

Offensively, Washington College is led by Peyton Gestole (49 pts), along with Nate Winters (36 pts)and Talan Behler (35 pts), an offensive core that gives them consistent production and scoring depth. On the defensive end, Brian Blanche (18 CTs, 38 GBs, 2 pts) and Connor Updegraff (16 CTs, 43 GBs, 3 pts)have been key playmakers, helping generate turnovers and control possessions.

Swarthmore comes in at 9-5 and, as usual, finds itself right in the mix near the top of the Centennial Conference. The Garnet have been steady throughout the season and bring one of the more explosive offenses in the conference into this matchup.

The offense is powered by Clay Almgren (64 pts), Ryder Maston (53 pts), and Rex Mabbs (41 pts) a high-scoring group that can put pressure on defenses from all angles. Defensively, Sawyer Paul (13 CTs, 21 GBs, 1 pt) and Jack Nicholson (11 CTs, 20 GBs, 1 pt)help anchor the unit, while Jack McHenry (191 FO wins, 66%) gives Swarthmore a major edge at the faceoff X and plays a key role in controlling tempo.

These two met in the 2025 regular season, where Swarthmore handled business with a 15-8 win, using their offensive firepower to create separation.

DeeThreeLax Take
Swarthmore comes in as the slight favorite with its offensive depth and advantage at the faceoff X, but Washington College has proven this season it can compete with anyone in the conference. If the Shoremen can limit Swarthmore runs and capitalize on opportunities, this could turn into a tight game late. With both teams fighting for position in a loaded Centennial Conference, expect a physical, high-energy battle.

Lake Forest (7-5) vs. Aurora (9-3)

A key NACC matchup here as Lake Forest looks to make a move up the standings while Aurora aims to hold its position near the top of the conference.

Lake Forest enters at 7-5 and has shown the ability to compete throughout the season, picking up solid wins and staying in the mix within the NACC. The Foresters will come into this one motivated, knowing a win over Aurora could go a long way in tightening up the conference race.

Offensively, Lake Forest is led by Aidan Wigton (29 pts), with Carson Pagel (21 pts) and Brendan Herbert (20 pts) providing additional scoring support. On the defensive side, Judson Norris (19 CTs, 22 GBs, 1 pt) and Avary Whitehead (12 CTs, 11 GBs) have been key contributors, helping create turnovers and limit opportunities. At the faceoff X, Gabe Boston (95 wins, 64%) gives Lake Forest a strong chance to compete for possession and control tempo.

Aurora comes in at 9-3 and has been one of the top teams in the NACC this season, consistently putting together strong performances on both ends of the field. The Spartans have leaned heavily on a high-powered offense that can score quickly and in bunches.

Leading the way is Chris Bucci (52 pts), alongside Tyler Foerstel (40 pts), Griffin Joas (37 pts), and Dylan Kranzush (32 pts) a deep and dangerous group that makes Aurora difficult to defend. Defensively, Noah Kosmicki (16 CTs, 24 GBs, 1 pt) and Zach Klug (15 CTs, 15 GBs) anchor a unit that complements the offense well.

These teams met twice in 2025, with Aurora winning both matchups. The regular season game was a tight 10-9 battle, followed by a 12-9 win in the conference tournament, where Aurora was able to create separation late.

DeeThreeLax Take
This is a great conference matchup between two teams that know each other well. Lake Forest comes in hungry and looking to close the gap in the standings, while Aurora aims to stay on top. If Lake Forest can control the pace and keep this game tight, they’ll have a shot, but Aurora’s offensive depth gives them the edge heading into Wednesday.