BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The NCC men's basketball team shot a woeful 33% from the field (24 of 73) as they fell to Ocean County College, 78-65, on Saturday in a Region XIX matchup.

The Spartans went on a 9-2 run right before intermission to cut the score to 37-29, but the Vikings came out of the gate quickly in the second and regained control of the contest.

"We struggled from the field, but credit Ocean's defense," remarked Head Coach Kevin Foley, "once again we did some good things, but we simply are not putting together quality 40-minute efforts at this point."

Nick Nickle scored 22 points, including four 3-pointers, Dontae Davis added 11 and Ralph Padilla hauled down a team-high 13 rebounds to lead NCC.

The loss drops NCC to 4-9 overall and 3-7 in Region XIX.

Ocean improves to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play.

NCC returns to action on Tuesday when they host Montgomery County Community College at 7pm.