Bronx, NY (Feb. 11, 2016) – Down by double figures late, Purchase stormed back at SUNY Maritime Thursday night, but the comeback fell short in a 77-73 defeat.

The Privateers edged the Panthers in the Skyline Conference matchup as all five of their starters reached double digits in the win.

The largest lead for the Privateers was fifteen when they led 51-36 with just over 12 minutes remaining.

Purchase (11-11, 9-8 Skyline) rallied back towards the end of the half behind center Joel Neri (SR/Port Chester, NY), who totaled 24 points and 20 rebounds in the loss. Key turnovers in the closing seconds sealed the comeback attempt and gave Maritime the victory.

The Privateers were led by forward Isaiah Hayes, who racked up a double-double with 19 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Guard John Liccese also tallied a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists.

Maritime led from the tip, only giving up the lead for less than a minute in the middle of the first half. The game started off close with both teams exchanging baskets. At the 14:16 mark, Tim Hoch hit a layup in the paint to break the tie and give Maritime the lead, 10-8.

A few minutes later, Brendan Halligan hit a three-point shot making the score 21-17.

Liccese scored the bulk of his points in a few minute flurry towards the end the first half. With 1:28 left on the clock, he hit a deep three, then followed that up with a lob to Patrick MacDonald that resulted in an and-one dunk, and then Liccese hit another three on the next possession to push the lead to 33-25.

Liccese finished the first half with eight points, eight rebounds and three assists.

The score was 33-28 going into the break. 

Maritime played well to start the second half. Hoch scored his team's first five points out of the break pushing the lead to eight.

The Panthers closed to single digits in the final four minutes, but the comeback attempt stalled as Maritime held on for the win.

The Privateers improved to 6-16 overall and 6-11 in the Skyline.

Purchase guard Kaliph Grant (SO/Bronx, NY) added 14 points in the loss.

The Panthers return to action Sunday on Senior Day. 

-SUNY Maritime Sports Information Contributed to this report