BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton Men's Basketball team opened 2025-26 season and the Northampton Tip-Off Tournament with a 82-73 victory over Penn Highlands on Saturday afternoon at the Arthur L. Scott Center.

The Spartans, ranked 12th in the NJCAA national poll, jumped out to a 43-31 lead at the half and were able to hold off the Black Bears throughout the second half and down the stretch to secure the hard fought victory. The Spartans saw their lead dwindle over the final ten minutes to just 75-70 with just over 2 minutes remaining but were able to extend the lead to 79-70 with 1:45 left in the game and never looked back.

"Good win to open the season," explained Spartans Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "It is always good to get off on the right foot to start the year and this allows us to play for something tomorrow at home in our Tip-Off Tournament."

Sophomore Forward Mekhi Shillingford (Philadelphia, PA/Penn Wood High School) scored his first double-double of the season, scoring a team high 18 points while also grabbing 17 rebounds to lead the way for the Spartans. Sophomore Guard Jahad Marable (Philadelphia, PA/Science Leadership Academy - Beeber) added 16 points with 4 rebounds while shooting 6-9 from the field. Forward Deyishon Miller (Philadelphia, PA/West Philadelphia High School) chipped in 15 points along with 5 rebounds while going 5-8 from the free throw line. The Spartans as a team shot 23-35 from the charity stripe.

The Spartans will play SUNY-Adirondack in the Northampton Tip-Off Tournament championship on Sunday at 2pm at the Arthur L. Scott Center. The Timberwolves defeated Nassau CC in the opening contest 81-65 to advance to the championship game. Nassau and Penn Highlands will square of in the consolation game at 12pm.