FAIRFIELD — In a Greater Miami Conference rivalry where records tend to fade into the background, Hamilton proved it again Friday night.
The Big Blue erased a 19-point deficit and stunned GMC rival Fairfield 58-54 at Fairfield Arena in the latest edition of the Battle of Route 4.
Fairfield entered the night having controlled the series in recent years, owning a 9-1 edge since the 2020-21 season, and the Indians looked poised to continue that trend early. Fairfield jumped out to a quick start and led 19-11 after the first quarter, then tightened its grip in the second. By halftime, the Indians had built a commanding 36-19 advantage.
The margin swelled to as many as 19 points again in the third quarter before Hamilton began to chip away. The Big Blue closed the period on a strong note, trimming the deficit to 47-35 heading into the fourth.
Momentum fully swung in the final quarter. Hamilton’s pressure and pace flipped the game, and the Big Blue claimed their first lead of the night with about two minutes remaining. From there, Hamilton never looked back, closing out the comeback to secure the four-point win.
Jordan Johnson-Perdomo led Hamilton with 25 points, most of which came in the second half as the Big Blue surged back. RJ Wilson added 14 points, and Elijah Jones chipped in eight.
Fairfield was paced by Cam Arrington, who scored 24 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Jakye Akbar finished with seven points, while Peyton Jones and Kiaden Jones added six apiece.
Hamilton (3-2, 2-2 GMC) will next travel to face Lakota East before returning to Fairfield Arena for a matchup with city rival Badin. Fairfield (1-5, 0-4 GMC) heads on the road to Colerain and then returns home Saturday to host Ross.
