BETHLEHEM, Pa.- The Nationally Ranked Northampton Men's Basketball Team extended their unbeaten streak to 10 in a row on Thursday night, picking up a hard-fought win over visiting Harrisburg Area Community College, 83-74, at the Arthur L. Scott Center.

The Spartans, ranked 5th in the NJCAA national poll, found themselves in unfamiliar territory after the first 20 minutes of play, trailing the Hawks at halftime, 48-44. Both teams traded big shots in the paint and beyond the arc in what proved to be an exciting and relentless first half of Basketball. The Spartans fought through a spirited second half, outscoring the Hawks, 39-26, to create enough distance to hold on for the big win.

The Spartans, trailing 63-58 with just over 10 minutes to play, found their lifeline when Sophomore point guard Terrence Cobb (Chester, PA/STEM Academy) converted a 4-point play to bring the Spartans within one, 62-63. Cobb drilled a 3 point basket from the top of the key and was fouled on the play, hitting the foul shot and putting the Spartans right back into the game. Both teams deadlocked again at 72-72 with just under 5 minutes remaining and foul trouble then became a factor down the stretch for the Hawks. The Spartans took a 74-72 lead following a pair of free throws from EPAC Player of the Week Jahad Marable (Philadelphia, PA/Science Leadership Academy - Beeber) and broke away with 2:29 showing on the clock when Marable drilled a 3 point basket to put the Spartans ahead for good, 79-73. The Spartans controlled the tempo the rest of the way to seal the win.

"Hard fought win," stated Spartans Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, "Both teams played hard for 40 minutes and we came out on top. We found a way and pulled away when we needed it. Good test tonight. I feel we can continue to build from here."

Sophomore Terrence Cobb (Chester, PA/STEM Academy) led all scorers with 27 points and was 7-12 from 3 point range to lead the Spartans attack. Kevin Rucker (Philadelphia, PA/Monsignor Bonner Prendergast) added 16 points and was 9-11 from the free throw line. Jahad Marable (Philadelphia, PA/Science Leadership Academy - Beeber) added 15 points with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Aiden Brown (Philadelphia, PA/Math Civic and Science Charter) scored 11 points and grabbed 5 boards off the Bench.

The Spartans improve to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in Region 19.

Harrisburg slips to 1-8 overall and 1-3 in the Region.

Northampton is back in action on Tuesday, December 9th when they host Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology at 7pm at the Arthur L. Scott Center.