BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton men's basketball team received some late game heroics on Saturday, coming from 7 points down with 4 minutes to play, to top Atlantic Cape Community College 89-88 at the Arthur L. Scott Center.
The Spartans, who led 50-44 at halftime, extended the lead to 8 (52-44) on a
Nasir Ruhani (Brooklyn, NY/Eagle Academy (NY)) fast break, just 18 seconds into the second half, but the Buccaneers were able to take momentum from the Spartans and grabbed the lead at 53-52, with 17:11 remaining in the contest. The two opponents would battle back and forth, until Atlantic Cape took an 8 point advantage (76-68) with 7:12 left in the game.
The Spartans were able to cut the deficit to just 1, at 77-76 with 5:13 remaining, before Atlantic Cape pushed the margin back to 7, at 84-77, with just over 4 minutes left in the game.
Northampton then methodically started their comeback, highlighted by a
Josh Washington (Bethlehem, PA/Executive Charter) block with :49 seconds remaining, followed by a
Nate Rivera (Bethlehem, PA/LIberty) 3-pointer which allowed the Spartans to retake the lead at 88-86.
Atlantic Cape then hit a long 2, to tie the game at 88, before Washington was fouled and converted 1 of 2 from the charity stripe with :06 seconds remaining.
The Buccaneers then called timeout and ran a play for Christopher Parker, who finished with 43 points, but the Spartans were able to defend it and secure the rebound, to get the crucial Region 19 victory.
Nasir Ruhani (Brooklyn, NY/Eagle Academy (NY)) finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists, while Rivera added 19 points, including a 5 for 9 performance from behnd the arc.
Washington chipped in with 12 points, 7 board and 2 blocks.
The win moves Northampton to 20-4 overall and 12-4 in Region 19. The Spartans have now won 19, or more, games in 8 straight seasons.
Atlantic Cape falls to 13-12 overall and 10-7 in Region 19.
The Spartans travel to downtown Schnecksville, PA on Tuesday to face the Cougars of Lehigh Carbon Community College at 7pm.
