BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Freshman Al Blount hit a runner with 18 seconds remaining to lead the NCC men's basketball team to a thrilling 73-72 victory over two-time defending Region XIX champion, Bergen Community College on Tuesday night.

"It was a great college basketball game," commented Head Coach Kevin Foley, "I really want to thank our fans for their support ... they played a big role down the stretch."

Bergen took the lead at 72-71 with 1:16 remaining before Blount gave the Spartans a 1 point lead with 18 seconds remaining in the contest.  After a timeout, Bergen missed a short jumper and had two opportunities on offensive putbacks, but could not get the game winner to fall.

"Bergen is so big and athletic," commented Foley, "we were lucky to escape at the end,"

Ike Robinson led Northampton with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Josh Vargas added 13 points to pull within 25 points of breaking the NCC all-time scoring record. 

NCC improves to 13-7 overall and 10-4 in Region XIX.

The Spartans travel to Edison, NJ on January 27th to face the Colts of Middlesex County College.

Ashmar Edwards led Bergen with 28 points, 20 in the first half.