BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Cumberland County College jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, but the NCC women's basketball team fought back behind a strong defensive effort to earn a 51-45 victory on Thursday night.

Halie Cintron led NCC with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Melanie Palko added 10 points.

"We struggled to put the ball in the basket tonight," remarked Head Coach Art Wolfe, "but our defense really stepped up.  We knew going in that Cumberland had been playing very well and we definitely had our hands full tonight.  I was proud of how the ladies responded when we got behind early, they didn't panic."

NCC used a 12-2 run to overcome the early 9-0 deficit and took a 22-17 lead into the locker room at halftime. 

The win propels Northampton to 19-5 overall and 15-2 in Region XIX.

The Spartans host Camden County College on Saturday at 1pm.