NORWICH – Norwich coach Mark Abbott looked into the eyes of his players before Tuesday’s STAC semifinal playoff game against Elmira Southside, and he saw a group that, by anyone’s definition, was flat.

Abbott’s suspicion was confirmed moments after the opening tip when Green Hornets forward Brent McLaurin stuffed an alley-oop pass less than 15 seconds into the game.

Fortunately, junior Josh Borfitz’s hot three-point shooting, and instant offense from reserve Richie Bonney inflated the once-flat Tornado, and the host team went on to 66-55 win before a capacity crowd at Jack Jones Gymnasium.

Norwich (17-2) plays Vestal Saturday night at 8:45 p.m. at the Binghamton University Event Center for its first STAC title since the 1993-1994 season. Norwich beat Vestal earlier this season at the STOP-DWI tourney in December by one point.

“Elmira Southside is a fantastic team,” Abbott said after the victory. “They’re athletic and well coached. For us to beat that team is a real feather in our cap.”