BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The much anticipated showdown between two of the nation's top-ranked teams lived up to its billing as 4th ranked Brookdale Community College defeated 6th ranked NCC, 69-65, in a hard-fought contest on Saturday afternoon.

Northampton jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, but the Jersey Blues settled down and tied the game at 35 at halftime. 

The game see-sawed back and forth throughout the second half, before NCC took a 58-51 lead with 7:30 remaining.  After a Brookdale timeout, the Jersey Blues responded with an 18-7 run to close out the game and earn the victory.

"It was good college basketball game," remarked Head Coach Art Wolfe, "I think today's game was much more indicative of where we stand vs. Brookdale (as compared to the 21 point loss in December), but that being said, they are the defending champions and until someone knocks them off, the road to championship goes through Brookdale."

Melanie Palko led NCC with 15 points and Halie Cintron added 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals. 

NCC falls to 16-5 overall and 12-2 in Region XIX, while Brookdale improves to 20-2 overall and 14-0 in the Region.

The Spartans travel to Sussex County Community College on Monday for a make-up game with the Skylanders.