BETHLEHEM, Pa. - In a highly anticipated matchup between conference heavyweights, Delaware County Community College was able to fend off a late Northampton run to earn an 89-78 victory over the Spartans on Thursday evening at the Arthur L. Scott Spartan Center.

Trailing 36-30, Delaware went on a 16-0 run to close out the first half and take a 46-36 lead into the locker room at intermission.  The two teams battled throughout the second half, but the Spartans, who were saddled with foul trouble and plagued by poor shooting, could never get over the hump and retake the lead. 

Derek Kulp (10 points) hit a 3-pointer late in the second half as the Spartans cut the lead to 5, but that was as close as it would get, as the Phantoms were able to close out the game from the free thrown line and improve to 17-4 overall and 8-0 in Region XIX.

"Give Delaware credit," remarked Head Coach Mike Kaminski, "the played hard all night and didn't back down ... we gave up too much on the interior tonight and it cost us."

Malcolm Lyles led NCC with 16 points and Tyler Krchnavi had another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Northampton, which falls to  10-5 overall and 7-2 in Region XIX, returns to action on Saturday when they host Thaddeus Stevens College at 2pm.

BOX SCORE

Team	1st Half	2nd Half	OT	Final Score
Delaware County (17-4)	46	43		89
Northampton (10-5)	36	42		78

WATCH THE GAME HERE: http://www.ihigh.com/nccspartans/broadcast_331641.html?silverlight=1