BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The 11th ranked Northampton men's basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from Middlesex County College, the defending Region XIX champions, and earn an 81-73 victory on Thursday evening at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

Marquise McClean (York, PA/William Penn ) led the Spartans with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Tony James (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg ) added 14 points and 9 boards.

"It was a really strong effort on all fronts tonight," remarked Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "given that it was our third game in four nights, I was really proud of how the guys battled."

The Spartans out-rebounded the Blue Colts 39 to 25 and held them to 44% shooting from the field.

Michael Jackson (West Lawn, PA/Wilson West Lawn) had 14 points and Raylil Law-Winton (Pennsbury, PA/Pennsbury) chipped in with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. 

The Spartans improve to 19-2 overall and 15-2 in the Region with the victory.

Middlesex falls to 15-9 overall and 15-5 in Region XIX. 

Northampton is back in action on Saturday when they host Brookdale, tip-off is set for 2pm.