SYRACUSE, NY - The nationally ranked Northampton men's basketball team fell in a season opening upset, 90-74, against Onondaga Community College on Sunday afternoon at the Allyn Hall Gymnasium.
The Spartans, ranked 11th in the NJCAA national poll released earlier this week, were deadlocked at, 24-24, with the host Lazers 10 minutes into the first half, but a spirited ,16-5, six minute run by the host Lazers stole the momentum for the home team heading into the intermission, as the Spartans trailed, 48-39, at the half.
The Spartans were unable to close the gap in the second half, outscored, 42-35, falling in their season opener on the road, 90-74.
"Tough loss to open the season," stated Spartans Head Coach
Brennan McCarthy, "But, we are going to be fine. Good first test and Onondaga is a good team. We will get back on the floor this week and get right back to work. That was the plan regardless of a win or loss today. I know we have nice team and a lot ahead of us to focus on. This is already in the rear view mirror."
Sophomore guard
Talasi Henderson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter) scored 15 points and was 3-6 from 3 point range to lead the Spartans.
Julian Bair (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg) and
Shermar Killen Jr. (Muhlenberg, PA/Muhlenberg) both scored 12 points with Bair grabbing 8 rebounds with 3 assists.
Artemus Sirleaf (Darby, PA/Upper Darby) scored 8 points and
Cameron Spence (Philadelphia, PA/Harriton) chipped in with 7 points to balance the offense.
Northampton slips to 0-1 to open the season with the loss.
Onondaga Community College is 1-0 with the upset win over the Spartans.
The Spartans are back in action on Thursday, November 5th when the team travels north to Nanticoke, Pennsylvania for a Region 19 match-up with Luzerne County Community College at 7pm at the James T. Atherton Gymnasium.
