Just two weeks ago, Northern Lehigh and Marian went to battle in the District 11 2A semifinals, with the matchup coming down to the wire.

Both teams put together significant runs throughout the course of the game, but a strong finish in the fourth quarter by the Bulldogs - which included numerous clutch defensive plays, forcing late Fillies’ miscues - helped Northern Lehigh edge Marian, 52-49.

Now, the District 11 No. 2 seed Bulldogs and the District 11 No. 3 seed Fillies will see each other on the hardwood again, but this time it’s for a chance to advance to the PIAA 2A state quarterfinals. The game will tip off tonight at Catasauqua High School at 7:30.

“I think the difference in the last matchup was our transition game. We were able to put some pressure on their guards and get out and go. But both teams played really hard, and as everyone knows, it came down to the end,” said Northern Lehigh head coach Chris Heery.

“They were able to put together a big run in the third quarter, and that was because they were more physical than us. I think that’s something we need to be better at this time around, and from the start of the game. We need to own our spots on the floor and not give up any space.”

This contest will once again feature two 1,000-point scorers - and two of the top players in the Times News area - in Northern Lehigh’s Aubrey Pollard and Marian’s Carly Minchhoff.

Pollard is coming off a triple-double and a 25-point performance in the Dawgs’ first round state victory over MaST Community Charter II. Pollard is averaging an impressive 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game. She scored 15 points and hauled in 13 rebounds in the game against the Fillies back on Feb. 27.

Minchhoff put together a big game in Marian’s first-round state win over Northeast Bradford, scoring 21 points. On the season, Minchhoff is averaging a solid 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 steals per contest. She has also knocked down 43 three-pointers.

“Pollard is a tremendous talent. You’re not going to see many players throughout the season that can do what she is able to do. Her talent, length and motor make her a tough matchup, but we need to do a better job on her this time around,” said Marian head coach Damian Fritz.

“She set the tone for them in that first quarter in the last game. Getting off to a good start early is going to be important for us.”

Scoring balance has been vital to both team’s successes this season. Guard Katelynn Barthold has served as Pollard’s running mate for the Bulldogs, averaging 14.6 points, four assists and 3.8 steals per game. Freshman Teegan Simms is a constant three-point threat for NL, as she has hit 46 from beyond the arc and averages 10 points per game.

Per usual, the Fillies boast yet another balanced lineup. Sophomore Addy Fritz is averaging 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while connecting on 28 three-pointers. Frankie Martinelli has put together another solid season for Marian, averaging 11.1 points per game and leads the team in trifectas with 49.

“We know they’re a team that can get hot. Minchhoff is a terrific player for them, but they have a bunch of players that can hit shots from the outside. We know we can’t let them get hot early,” said Heery.

“We were able to do a decent job on the boards in the last game, so we have to be able to do that again as well.”

Northern Lehigh’s win over MaST Charter II in the first round was its first PIAA win since 2011. The Bulldogs are 2-3 all time in state playoff games. Marian has been to the PIAA playoffs 21 times in the last 30 seasons. The Fillies last advanced to the quarterfinal round in 2012.