PATERSON, NJ - In a battle of nationally-ranked women's basketball teams, the #2 NCC Spartans defeated 8th ranked Passaic County Community College, 58-56, on Tuesday night. 

Melanie Palko hit a 3-pointer with 38 seconds remaining in the game to give NCC a one point lead and Catie Cardiello (12 points, 6 steals) hit 1 of 2 free throws with 13 seconds remaining to push the lead to two.   Passaic had two shots in the final 11 seconds, but Halie Cintron was able to rebound the miss with 2 seconds remaining and run out the clock for the Spartans. 

"The kids really showed their character tonight," remarked Head Coach Art Wolfe, "this is one of the toughest places to play in the Region and the ladies didn't let it rattle them when they got behind in the second half ... they stayed with the game plan and made some big shots down the stretch."

Northampton led 36-34 at the half, but Passaic took the lead with 14 minutes remaining and held it throughout the second half until Palko's 3-pointer.

Dee Brown led the Spartans with 18 points, 7 assists and 5 steals.  Cintron added 12 points and 15 rebounds and Shana Clark came off the bench to haul down 15 boards.

Northampton improves to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Region XIX.  The Spartans are off until November 30th when they host Moravian College.

Passaic falls to 4-1 with the loss.