Jason Harer had a double-double for the Tigers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Andy Hermansen contributed all over the court and finished with seven points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocked shots. 

Athens took a 14-12 lead after the first quarter despite seven points by Harer, and extended their lead to 23-20 at the break.

Harer scored eight points in the third quarter to lead the Tigers’ to a 12-8 frame and a 32-31 lead.

Collin Oakes opened the fourth quarter hitting 3-of-4 free throws for Mansfield before Athens tied the game at 35-all with a pair of baskets inside. Harer put NPM back up with a nice post move before Athens answered by going right at the Tigers’ big man and completed the ‘and-1’ for a 38-37 lead and giving Harer his fourth foul.

Harer took a pass from Patrick Youmans and scored inside with 3:20 left, followed by another Athens’ score inside to make it 40-39 Wildcats.

After a pair of missed free throws by Harer, Hermansen hit him twice inside and Harer finished on both to put NPM up 43-40 with 1:30 remaining.

Kevin Clemente-Vazquez made 3-of-4 free throws down the stretch to seal the win for the Tigers.

Vazquez and Oakes finished with five points each while Youmans had four points and Keaton Manikowski chipped in with two points.

Now 4-4 on the season, North Penn-Mansfield returns to action on Thursday when they host Wyalusing (3-3).