HERKIMER, NY - The Northampton men's basketball team advanced to the NJCAA quarterfinals with an opening round 81-65 victory over 12th seeded Dutchess Community College (NY) on Wednesday afternoon at the Lee Center on the campus of Herkimer College. 

The #5 Spartans led by 14 at halftime and were able to extend the lead to 19 with 9:09 remaining, before earning the 16 point victory over the Region 15 champion Falcons. 

Titus Wilkins (Easton, PA/Executive Education Academy Charter) led the way with 27 points and 6 rebounds, while CJ Miles (Bangor, PA/Bangor) added 15 and Mike Marable (Harrisburg, PA/Susquehanna) chipped in with 12.  Christion Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast) came off the bench to add 8 points and 6 rebounds for the Spartans. 

"I thought we were able to jump out early and set the tempo," remarked Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "I'm really proud of how the guys prepared for this game and now we need to get focused on recovery and preparation for Northern Essex on Thursday."

Jacob Barnett led Dutchess with 24 points.

Northampton improves to 29-3 with the win, tying the all-time program record for single-season victories.  The 1979-80 team under Dick Packer finished 29-2, capturing the Pennsylvania state championship with an 85-65 victory over Butler County Community College. 

Dutchess falls to 17-13 with the loss.

The Spartans will now face #4 Northern Essex Community College (31-1) in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 4pm.