Purchase, NY (Feb. 14, 2016) – Purchase men's basketball celebrated seven on Senior Day Sunday, racing out to a three-point lead at the break before the best three-point shooting team in the conference had the final say in the second half.

St. Joseph's College-LI rallied for a 66-56 win.

The Golden Eagles outscored the Panthers 42-29 in the second half, utilizing their long-distance shooting and a cold spell from Purchase to seize the victory.

The win improves SJC-LI to 10-13 overall and 9-9 in conference play. The loss drops Purchase to 11-12 and 9-9.

The Panthers were led offensively by Jose Reyes (SR/Bronx, NY) and Nicholas Jackson (SR/Brooklyn, NY), who finished with 11 and nine points, respectively. Four players finished in double figures offensively for the Golden Eagles, including Dominique Spann and Isaiah Moore. The duo totaled 28 points, scoring a game-high 15 and 13, respectively.

SJC-LI went 12 of 28 from long range.

The loss spoiled a near perfect day for Purchase. The Panther women, who also celebrated Senior Day and the 1,000-point milestone of Elizabeth Osowiecki (SR/Franklin Square, NY) upended SJC-LI in the opener. The men also celebrated Senior Day on Valentine's Day, recognizing seven, while also presenting Joel Neri (SR/Port Chester, NY) with his 1,000-point milestone basketball.

All was going to plan for the hometown faithful in the first half, but ultimately the team's shooting struggles, coupled with SJC-LI's hot second half led to the loss. Purchase has two road games remaining on the season (Mount Saint Mary and Yeshiva). Although the Panthers have yet to clinch, the team is still on course for the postseason and could finish anywhere between fourth and sixth, depending on the outcome of the last two games in the jam-packed Skyline Conference standings.

Despite the hard-fought loss, it was a memorable afternoon for the program, especially for the seven seniors. All seven were acknowledged during a pre-game ceremony.

"Our first senior is a three-year Panther that came to us as a sophomore and was part of the greatest team in school history, our 26-3 Skyline Conference champ and NCAA tournament participant," explained Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini, who MCed the afternoon. "He's been a valuable role player. Let's hear it for No. 3, Anthony Walker (SR/Mount Vernon, NY)."  

Julian Wright (SR/Mount Vernon, NY) was recalled for his "leadership" and "calming presence," while Jackson – "The Real Nick Jack" – and Reyes were celebrated for the strides they've made in their second seasons with the team. Jackson is averaging 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Reyes is averaging 7.8 points per game to go along with two rebounds and two assists per game.   

Standout Taylor Foster (SR/Greenburgh, NY) "has been a solid two-year contributor, helping the Panthers make a late season run last winter, while returning this year to anchor the team," Ciafardini said of the team's second-leading scorer.

The final two seniors announced were Creig Graves (SR/Harlem, NY) and Neri.  

"He went from a young role player to a starter last year, where he averaged 12.7 points per game, racking up some weekly honors along the way," said Ciafardini of Graves. "This season, his shooting ability and veteran leadership has contributed to another playoff run."

Neri, the only four-year Panther of the group, was saved for last.

"He eclipsed the 1,000 point mark, reaching that total this winter, and is a former all-conference selection," Ciafardini said. "He was an integral piece of the team's last championship run three years ago – that amazing 26-3 team. Thus far, he has been part of a program that won two championships, reached three Skyline Conference finals and two NCAA tournament berths."

The team's seven seniors will again be honored during the program's annual awards banquet in April, where senior parents are invited to attend.