Box Score LINCROFT, NJ - The Northampton men's basketball team dropped a tight matchup with the nation's #1 team on Thursday evening, falling 89-86 to Brookdale Community College at Collins Arena. 

Despite making six more field goals than the Jersey Blues, Northampton was outscored by 19 points at the foul line in the battle of two of Region XIX's top programs.

Brookdale, the defending national champions, took a 44-40 lead to the locker room at halftime, and took their biggest lead of the second half at 64-58 with 10:22 remaining in the game. 

The Spartans retook the lead at 86-85 with 1:07 remaining, but Brookdale responded with a mid-range jumpshot to go back in front at 87-86.  

After a made free throw from the Jersey Blues, making the score 88-86, the Spartans missed two free throws which would have tied the game, but got the offensive rebound, but missed the ensuing shot.  Brookdale rebounded the miss and and made one of two from the line for the final three point margin. 

Jay Davis (Northwest, PA/Hatboro-Horsham) led four Spartans in double-figures with 27, while Karee Davis (Philadelphia, PA/Mastbaum) added 14 and Tony James (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg) chipped in with 10, all in the second half. 

Davis led the Spartans on the boards with 8 rebounds, while D'Andre Davis (York, PA/York Catholic) topped the assist chart with 6. 

Brookdale finished 26 of 39 from the charity stripe, while the Spartans went 7 for 16. 

Northampton falls to 4-4 overall and 4-2 in Region XIX with the loss. 

Brookdale, ranked #1 in the latest NJCAA Division III poll, improves to 4-1 overall and 4-0 in Region XIX. 

The Spartans return to action on Saturday at 2pm when they host undefeated Harrisburg Area Community College (5-0).