MEDIA, Pa. - Delaware County Community College struck the first blow in the battle for first place in the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, handing Northampton their first conference loss of the season, 71-56, on Saturday night at Widener University.

Northampton and Delaware both entered the contest undefeated in EPAC play, but the Phantoms jumped out to a 8 point halftime lead at 29-21. 

The Spartans tied the game with 10 minutes remaining,  but cold shooting (16 of 59 from the field) proved to be the demise for NCC down the stretch.

"The guys really competed tonight," commented Head Coach Kevin Foley, "we obviously did not shoot the ball well, but give Delware credit, their defense had something to do with that."

Andrew Miller led Northampton with 20 points (four 3-pointers).

The loss drops Northampton to 10-3 overall and 6-1 in Region XIX / EPAC.

Delaware improves to 6-5 overall and 6-0 in conference.

NCC finishes the semester on Tuesday when they travel to Newark to face Division II Essex County Community College.