BETHLEHEM, Pa. - In a battle of NJCAA top 10 teams, the 10th ranked Lions of Philadelphia emerged victorious with an 80-69 victory over 6th ranked Northampton on Tuesday evening at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

The Lions used a 47-43 advantage on the boards and 27 made free throws to hand the Spartans their first loss of the season.  "I didn't think we played bad," commented Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "I just felt like they wanted it a little more than we did tonight.  They were able to grab some loose balls and rebounds that were 50/50 balls and that made a big difference."

Michael Jackson (West Lawn, PA/Wilson West Lawn) led Northampton with 27 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Tony James (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg ) finished with 8 points and a team-high 9 boards. 

The loss drops Northampton to 9-1 overall, 7-1 in Region XIX and 5-1 in the EPAC. 

Philadelphia improves to 10-1 overall, 8-1 in Region XIX and 7-0 in conference play. 

The Spartans are back in action Thursday when they travel to Montgomery County Community College for a 7pm contest vs. the Mustangs.