Box Score
Farmingdale, NY
(Feb. 25, 2012) – A bid for a third-straight Skyline Conference title was lost in an 83-64 defeat to rival Farmingdale State.
Although the fourth-seeded Panthers knocked off No. 1 St. Joseph's-LI in the other semifinal to earn the right to play in Saturday night's championship game, Purchase couldn't overcome a sluggish second period to punch its ticket to three-straight league crowns and another berth in the NCAA DIII Tournament next week.
The Panthers overcame a rough first half against No. 2 FSC before the Rams pulled away in the final 20 minutes for the title. Purchase trailed 32-31 at half, but fell victim to Skyline Tournament MVP AJ Matthews – a seven-foot center, who NBA prospects have scouted.
The Rams shot 54.5 percent in the second half, turning around a 39.1 showing in the first half to shoot 48.2 percent for the game. Meanwhile, Purchase shot 40 percent in the first and 42 percent in the second, failing to match FSC's hot streak in the final stanza.
Matthews led the way with 17 points and 17 rebounds, highlighted by several dunks that put the finishing touches on the game. Four finished in double figures for the Rams, including Josh Smith, who also netted 17 points.
The Panthers, whose season may not be over with a possible ECAC Tournament bid waiting in the wings, struggled offensively – especially from the perimeter. Purchase shot 3 of 11 from beyond the arc, with only two scorers in double figures – center
Craig Davis (JR/Queens, NY) and standout reserve
John Pressley (JR/New York, NY). Davis scored 15 points, but was harassed by Matthews and a Rams tall front line. Pressley matched the Panther high with 15 off the bench.
Purchase, which went 0-2 against FSC during the regular season, lost both of those contests by less than five points and rebounded from a below .500 record to return to the league final. The Panthers, searching for a 3-peat, did so with only one returner – captain
B.J. Warrington (SR/Bronx, NY).
The Panthers will learn of their March postseason fate Monday.
