BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Afer a one year absence, the Northampton men's basketball is back in the postseason, locking up a playoff berth with an 84-58 victory over Thaddues Stevens College on Thursday night at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

The Spartans came out with a purpose from the opening tip, taking an early 14-2 lead and extending it to 23 at halftime at 47-24.  Northampton shot 47% as a team from the field, knocking down 35 field goals on 75 attempts. 

"The guys knew what was at stake," remarked Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "it was nice in that we controlled our own destiny .... we did not need to depend on any other team in the Region to win or lose, we simply had to go out and take care of business and get a victory ... and we did.  Now it's time to start preparing for the postseason ... we will enjoy this tonight and then get back to work."

Juan Perez-Jones (Morrisville, PA /Pennsbury ) led Northampton with 21 points, while Tyerell Mann (East Stroudsburg, PA /Notre Dame - East Stroudsburg ) added 19 points and 5 assists.  Justin Kusiappouh (East Stroudsburg, PA /East Stroudsburg North ) had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Edwin Lopez (East Stroudsburg, PA /Stroudsburg ) had a team-high 12 boards and Alquinton McNeil (Northampton, PA/Northampton ) finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds. 

Northampton finishes the regular season with a record of 13-12 overall, 11-12 in Region XIX and 10-8 in conference play. 

Stevens falls to 4-14 overall, 4-12 in Region and 4-11 in conference. 

The Spartans will now wait until February 17th to find out their playoff fate.  The most likely scenario has the Spartans on the road on Saturday February 20th in first round action.