BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The 5th ranked Northampton Men's Basketball team fell short in a Top 10 battle of nationally ranked teams on Saturday afternoon, losing a hard fought match-up against the 10th ranked Owls of Union College of New Jersey, 67-57, at the Arthur L. Scott Center.

The Spartans jumped out to a 17-4 advantage just 10 minutes into the first half and carried the early momentum into the locker room with a 32-21 lead at halftime. Union College of New Jersey turned the tide on the Spartans following the intermission, just under 4 minutes into the second half, taking the lead over Northampton, 35-34. With 14:52 remaining, the Owls converted a pair of free throws and grabbed a 37-36 advantage, the Spartans were unable to answer, and the Owls managed to pull away from the Spartans for the upset win.

"Two good teams and a Top 10 battle," explained Spartans Head Coach Brennan McCarthy, " Disappointing to fall short but we have to just move forward and get ready for the next one on the schedule. We have some big games coming up down the stretch and we just have to focus on what is ahead of us."

Sophomore guard Jahad Marable (Philadelphia, PA/Science Leadership Academy - Beeber) led the Spartans with a game-high 20 points along with 7 rebounds. Marable was 7-9 from the free-throw line. Point Guard Terrence Cobb (Chester, PA/STEM Academy) chipped in with 14 points and 3 assists and was 4-4 from the charity stripe. Sophomore center Lamaj Mapp (Darby, PA/Penn Wood High School) scored 6 points and continued his strong inside play with 9 rebounds. Freshman Sihaaj Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Simon Gratz) scored 5 points and dished off 4 assists in the loss.

Northampton is now 19-3 overall and 11-2 in Region 19 action with the loss.

UCNJ improves to 19-5 overall and 15-2 in the Region.

The Spartans are back in action on Tuesday, February 3rd when the host Region 19 opponent RCSJ-Gloucester at 7pm at the Arthur L. Scott Center.