EDISON, NJ - The NCC men's basketball team's playoff hopes were dealt a severe blow on Saturday, as the Spartans fell at Middlesex County College, 76-71.

Playing without starting point guard Dontae Davis, the Spartans battled back from an early deficit to cut the margin to one with 15 seconds to play, but could not convert the front end of a one and one.  NCC immediately fouled, and the Colts converted both free throws to make the score 74-71.  NCC got a clean look at a 3-pointer with 9 seconds remaining, but the shot would not go and Middlesex converted two more free throws to make the final margin 5 points.

"Frustrating day," commented Head Coach Kevin Foley, "just one more in a long line of "what if" games this season ... as I have said before, the margin of error in this region is so small ... to be successful you must take advantage of each opportunity presented to you and we just have not been able to do that consistently."

Jaylonn Tullis scored 19 points and had 10 boards and Ralph Padilla had 18 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.

NCC, now 8-13 overall and 7-11 in Region XIX, must go at least 5-1 in their last six games to qualify for the Region XIX tournament.

Middlesex improves to 11-10 overall and 9-8 in Region play.

NCC returns to action at 8pm on Tuesday January 31st vs. Gloucester County College.