BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The NCC men's basketball team held off a furious rally from the Mustangs of Montgomery County Community College to earn a 99-93 victory in a Region XIX matchup on Tuesday night. 

The Spartans built a 23 point lead with just over 12 minutes to play, only to watch Montgomery come fighting back to tie the score at 91-91 with just under a minute left in regulation.  After trading free throws, Charles Merritt (7 points) made a huge steal and got fouled to seal the victory.

"That would have been a tough one to lose," remarked a relieved Kevin Foley, "we were really dominating play for a good portion of the game, but MontCo's style of play is so tough to defend, especially when they get hot from behind the arc."

Ralph Padilla had a game-high 38 points and 9 rebounds and Jaylonn Tullis added 17 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out.

"The key for us now is to rest up and get focused on Cumberland," stated Foley, "any road trip prior to holiday break is difficult and Cumberland has been playing very well of late."

NCC improves to 5-9 overall and 4-7 in Region XIX.

Montgomery falls to 8-4 overall and 8-4 in conference play.

NCC ends their semester at Cumberland County College on Thursday night.