Box Score

Purchase, NY (Jan. 4, 2012) – Despite another strong start, Purchase suffered another setback Wednesday night.

The Panthers, which are still regrouping from some roster issues, fell 87-64 to rival Manhattanville – their Anderson Hill Road neighbor.

The Valiants and Panthers battled through the opening 10 minutes, with each trading baskets. An early time out saw a 10-9 Valiant lead, but Purchase could not keep pace in the first half with its non-conference foe. Manhattanville closed the period leading 45-32 and never looked back.

The Valiants (6-6) used a mixture of bench players down the stretch, closing the game by outscoring the Panthers 42-32 after the break.

Purchase did show some mettle in defeat. The second unit under the supervision of Antonio Johnson (FR/Fort Johnson, NY) spearheaded a mild comeback. Johnson scored a team-high 17 points off the bench – accomplishing the mark in 19 minutes of action. D.J. Smith (JR/Saugus, CA) added 13 points and John Pressley (JR/New York, NY) netted 10.  

In addition, forward Justin Person (JR/Greenburgh, NY) returned from an ankle injury for the Panthers and scored seven points and nine rebounds in a nice effort. Newcomers Isaac Campbell (JR/Newark, NJ) and recent transfer Jimmy Moore (JR/Newburgh, NY) also saw action. Captain B.J. Warrington (SR/Bronx, NY) played well defensively with two blocks and a steal to his credit.

Four players finished in double figures for Manhattanville, which outshot the Panthers 47.8 to 40.6 for the contest. Offensively, the Valiants were paced by reserve Ivan Jovicic and his 21 points. Manhattanville's Armani Blackmon was the star of the night. He added a double-double, netting 16 points and grabbing 15 rebounds for the visitors.

Purchase (5-5) has lost three straight. The Panthers will look to end the mini skid Saturday when they host NYU-POLY.