Purchase, NY (Nov. 22, 2016) – Albertus Magnus started strong, utilizing a six-point lead after the first quarter to carry a double-figure margin into the break.

In the process, the first half lifted the Falcons to a 78-51 victory Tuesday night at Purchase.

Magnus (3-2) led 12-6 at the end of one and then outscored the Panthers 23-13 to seize a 35-19 advantage heading into the locker room.

Guard Jill Johnson netted 13 points in the opening half to spark the commanding lead. She connected on seven of eight free throws to go along with three baskets from the field. Teammate Liz Falcigno chipped in seven over the first two quarters, while the Panthers were led by Kayla Ortiz (JR/Brooklyn, NY) and her seven, first-half points. April Uhl (SR/Jackson Heights, NY) and Amber Jones (SO/Bronx, NY) added five apiece.

With the Panthers trailing, Purchase hung tough in the third quarter, scoring another 12 points, but the Falcons were too strong. Magnus had its best quarter of the night, dropping 26 in the third en route to the win. 

Nonetheless, Purchase (1-3) showed its mettle, outscoring the visitors 20-17 in the final stanza. The Panthers were more effective offensively overall in the second half, as Jones got rolling. She finished with a team-high 18, while Uhl capped her night with 13 total points. Dayja Medina (FR/Brewster, NY) added eight points, including two 3s. Nadia Shadi (SO/New York, NY) got the start for the Panthers and also contributed. Uhl added a game-high four assists. Jones added a team-high seven boards. 

For the Falcons, Johnson finished the evening as the high scorer. She totaled 21 points, five steals, three rebounds and three assists. Olivia Bolden posted a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds. The inside-outside tandem of Johnson and Bolden paced Magnus. 

The visitors won the game on the boards, holding a 63-32 margin in rebounds – a key stat. 

Purchase will look to regroup after the Thanksgiving Break. The Panthers are back in action Tuesday on the road at Yeshiva. That game opens conference play for the 2016-17 season for Purchase.