Box Score LANCASTER, Pa. - Sophomore Michael Jackson (West Lawn, PA/Wilson West Lawn) hit a runner in the lane with 6 seconds remaining in the game to lead the 10th ranked Northampton men's basketball team to a 73-72 victory over upset-minded Thaddeus Stevens College on Saturday afternoon at TSC Arena. 

Trailing 72-71 with 29 seconds remaining, the Spartans worked the ball around until Jackson (11 points) made his move down the lane and hit a runner to put the Spartans up 73-72.  The Bulldogs got the ball in and were able to get a good look for a three, which rimmed out at the buzzer to give Northampton the win.

"A little tighter than we hoped for," remarked a relieved Brennan McCarthy, "Stevens really played hard, Coach Stone and his staff had their guys ready to play.  While we struggled in some areas, I like how our guys continued to fight and were able to persevere and get the victory."

Nazir Gossette (Philadelphia, PA/Math, Civics & Sciences Charter) led Northapton with 18 points, on 7 of 13 from the field, and  grabbed 11 rebounds, while Tony James (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg ) finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

The victory clinched a share of the EPAC Championship for Northampton, finishing in a three-way tie for first place with Philadelphia and Montgomery, all at 12-2. 

The Conference Championship is the 4th for Northampton and 3rd under Coach McCarthy (2012-13, 2016-17*, 2018-19*, 2019-20*) *Coach McCarthy-era.

Northampton improved to 22-3 overall and 18-3 in the Region with the win, improving to 17-3 all-time vs. Thaddeus Stevens. 

Thaddeus Stevens falls to 9-15 overall and 6-10 in Region XIX with the loss. 

Northampton will host Bergen Community College on Tuesday at 7pm.