ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - The nationally ranked Northampton men's basketball team traded blows for 40 minutes of regulation and a back and forth overtime period with host Atlantic Cape Community College and eventually came out on top, 75-72, in a Region 19 match-up on Saturday afternoon at Atlantic City High School.

The Spartans, ranked 10th in the most recent NJCAA national poll, were in a heated battle with the Buccaneers from the opening tip, with both teams working to build momentum and keep up with the quick pace of the first half. Atlantic Cape was able to sneak into the locker room with a 38-36 edge at the intermission. The pace continued through the second half with the Spartans outscoring the Buccaneers, 27-25, and at the end of regulation we found ourselves in a deadlock, 63-63, and headed to overtime.

The overtime period told the same story, as both teams continued to answer each basket, and it looked like we could be headed to a second OT period. The Spartans had different plans and were able to create enough distance in the closing minutes to escape with the hard fought road victory.

"Great battle tonight," explained Spartans Head Coach Brennan McCarthy. "We knew we would be tested today and this was a hard fought match-up from the start. Always good to get a win on the road and it is a good thing when you can battle from start to finish. That is exactly what we did today. Very pleased with the effort and the outcome."

Sophomore guard Terrence Cobb (Chester, PA/STEM Academy) led the Spartans with a game high 32 points along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Cobb also hit 3 baskets from three point range and was 10-11 from the free throw line. This is the second time this season that Cobb has gone over 30 points as he hit for his season high 33 points on November 15th at Ocean County College. Jahad Marable (Philadelphia, PA/Science Leadership Academy - Beeber) aided the offensive effort with 20 points and 8 rebounds and Mekhi Shillingford (Philadelphia, PA/Penn Wood High School) scored 8 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Sophomore center Lamaj Mapp (Darby, PA/Penn Wood High School) scored 8 points with 7 boards and freshman Julian Bair (Harrisburg, PA/Harrisburg High School) scored 4 points.

Northampton improves to 22-3 overall and 14-2 in Region 19.

Atlantic Cape is 12-12 overall and 8-7 in the Region.

The Spartans are back on the floor on Thursday, February 12th when they travel to Blue Bell, Pa to take on Montogmery County Community College in a non-conference match-up at 7pm at the Health Sciences Center. The scheduled Region 19 contest between both schools took place on December 11th at the Arthur L. Scott Center with the Spartans coming out on top, 76-74.