Box Score

Purchase, NY (Jan. 9, 2012) – A poor start made for a great finish Monday night as Purchase overcame a first-half deficit to topple visiting Maritime, 72-63.

The Privateers (3-10, 2-4 Skyline Conference) led 33-29 at half after jumping out to a 12-5 lead in the opening minutes. Despite the hot start, Purchase rebounded in the opening stanza, tying at 27-27 before closing the half down four.

Marred by a sloppy first half, despite the strong showing in the final 10 minutes before intermission, the Panthers regrouped in the second half, while the Privateers tried to match their athleticism – something the visitors could not do. In the run-and-gun style, Purchase prevailed on the shoulders of emerging star John Pressley (JR/New York, NY). Pressley, fresh off a 30-point performance against NYU-POLY, led the Panthers with 21.

Swingman D.J. Smith (JR/Saugus, CA) added 17 off the bench, including a 9 of 10 showing from the free-throw line. Antonio Johnson (FR/Fort Johnson, NY) delivered a dagger 3 inside the final minutes, which distanced the Panthers and helped preserve the victory.

First-place Purchase (7-5, 5-0 Skyline) received strong support throughout. Justin Person (JR/Greenburgh, NY) totaled nine points and nine rebounds; Brandon Serrano (JR/Hempstead, NY) added nine points and six rebounds; and captain B.J. Warrington (SR/Bronx, NY) contributed eight points and five rebounds, including four key free throws late.

The Panthers were 27 of 32 from the free-throw line – a key stat. They also shot 53.8 percent in the second half, bouncing back from a 25.8 showing in the first 20 minutes.

Maritime was paced by reserve T-Vaughn Gibson, who scored 25, and co-captain Mike McSloy, who scored 20 in defeat.

The Panthers, who remain undefeated in conference play, host Old Westbury Thursday night.