Spartans Stay in Playoff Hunt with 73-58 Victory Over Bucks County

NEWTOWN, Pa. - The Northampton men's basketball team struggled out of the gate, leading by only 4 at halftime, but a strong second half defensive effort sparked the Spartans to a 73-58 victory over Bucks County Community College on Saturday afternoon at Centurian Hall.

Leading 29-25 at intermission, the Spartans outscored Bucks 44-33 in the second half to remain in the hunt for a Region XIX playoff berth. "The guys know what we need to do to qualify," remarked first year Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "they understand that the bottom line is that we control our own destiny ... continue to win and we are in the playoffs."

Justin Escobar scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 5 assists to lead Northampton, while Michael Samuel added 16 points and 6 assists. Derek Kulp had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and Josh Coleman chipped in with 16 points as Northampton moved to 10-13 overall, 9-10 in Region XIX and 9-8 in conference.

Bucks falls to 1-20 overall with the loss.

Northampton will continue their playoff march when they travel to Scranton, PA on Tuesday February 10th to face Johnson College at 7pm.

Teams	1st Half	2nd Half	Final
Northampton (10-13)	29	44	73
Bucks (1-20)	25	33	58

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Players Mentioned

#42 Josh Coleman: Guard; 6' 2"; Freshman

#20 Justin Escobar: Guard/ Forward; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#32 Derek Kulp: Forward; 6' 7"; Sophomore

#10 Michael Samuel: Guard; 5' 7"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#42 Josh Coleman
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: Guard

#20 Justin Escobar
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: Guard/ Forward

#32 Derek Kulp
: 6' 7"; Sophomore
: Forward

#10 Michael Samuel
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: Guard