Northampton Wins EPC Championship in Overtime Thriller at PPL Center, 55-54
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | February 13, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
ALLENTOWN — In a dramatic showdown at the PPL Center, Northampton edged Pocono Mountain West 55-54 in overtime to claim the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) Championship on Tuesday night.
The game featured intense momentum swings, clutch shooting, and standout performances as both teams battled for conference supremacy.
First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle
Defense was the story early on, with neither team able to gain much separation in the opening quarter. Pocono Mountain West held a narrow 7-6 lead after the first period, setting the tone for a competitive matchup.
Northampton found its rhythm in the second quarter, fueled by Leo Regec, who led the way with 21 points. The Konkrete Kids outscored Pocono Mountain West 19-13 in the frame, taking a 25-20 lead into halftime.
Second Half: A Game of Runs
Pocono Mountain West responded in the third quarter behind a stellar performance from Adrian Brito. The senior guard poured in a game-high 28 points, including 10-of-13 free throws, to help the Panthers claw back. By the end of the third, the score was deadlocked at 37-37.
Both teams traded buckets in the fourth quarter, with Jonathan Mateo (14 points) stepping up for Pocono Mountain West and Ethan Raphun (10 points) contributing key baskets for Northampton.
With time winding down in regulation, neither team could pull ahead, and the game remained tied at 52-52, forcing overtime in the EPC title game.
Overtime: Northampton Clutches Up
In the extra period, Northampton capitalized on its three-point shooting, a key factor all night. The Konkrete Kids drained 10 total threes, compared to Pocono Mountain West’s three, giving them the edge in a game where every possession mattered.
Despite Brito’s heroics, Northampton did just enough to secure the 55-54 victory and hoist the EPC Championship trophy.
Stat Breakdown
Northampton:
• Leo Regec – 21 points
• Ethan Raphun – 10 points
• Noah Walakovits – 8 points
• Brady Simock – 6 points
• Jake Raysely & Korbin Sollars – 5 points each
Pocono Mountain West:
• Adrian Brito – 28 points (10-of-13 FT)
• Jonathan Mateo – 14 points
• Tru Goodwin – 5 points
• KJ Coles Jr. – 4 points
• Brady Behr – 3 points
Key Differences
• Free Throws: Pocono Mountain West shot 15-of-21, while Northampton attempted just 8 total free throws (5 made).
• Three-Point Shooting: Northampton’s 10 three-pointers were the difference-maker, as Pocono Mountain West hit only 3 from deep.
Championship Glory
With the win, Northampton captures the EPC Championship in thrilling fashion at the PPL Center, cementing its place as one of the top teams in the region. The Konkrete Kids’ ability to knock down clutch shots and stay composed under pressure proved to be the deciding factor in their title-winning performance.
For Pocono Mountain West, it was a heartbreaking loss, but their resilience and fight throughout the game showcased why they were championship contenders.
In front of a packed crowd at the PPL Center, Northampton’s thrilling overtime victory will be remembered as one of the most exciting EPC Championship games in recent history.
