Purchase, NY (Jan. 4, 2017) – The 3-pointer loomed large for both St. Joseph's College-LI and Purchase College Wednesday night.

First, it was the host Panthers utilizing the long ball to keep pace in the first half – a game that was tied at the end of the first quarter and within one possession at the break.  

Then, it was the Golden Eagles' turn. SJC-LI used the 3 in the second half to run away with an 86-36 decision at Purchase.

While the Panthers had six, first-half 3s, SJC-LI answered back with six second-half 3s, riding the outside shot and the strong inside presence of standout Andrea Iavarone. Iavarone finished with a dynamic double-double effort of 39 points and 13 rebounds. She scored 19 field goals in the paint. Reserve Jennifer Gubell added six 3s off the bench for 20 points. Jackie Zizzo chipped in 13.

Purchase led 13-6 early, highlighted by three straight 3s from Isis Gonzalez (FR/New York, NY), April Uhl (SR/Jackson Heights, NY) and Frances Minaya (SR/San Fernando, CA).

But the visitors put together a 9-2 run right after to close the quarter tied up at 15-15.

In the second, the see-saw battle ensued with the Golden Eagles holding a 35-32 margin at intermission. The second quarter saw the emergence of Iavarone, who took advantage of the undersized post for Purchase.   

SJC-LI (4-7, 3-4 Skyline) would go on to outscore the Panthers by 10 in the third and another 10 in the fourth to close out the 23-point victory. SJC-LI finished the night shooting 48 percent from the field, while slowing the Panthers and their hot start in the second half en route to 40 percent for the contest.

The Panthers were paced offensively by Minaya. She totaled 22 points to go along with nine boards and six steals. Kayla Ortiz (JR/Brooklyn, NY) followed with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Uhl contributed 13, including three of the team's nine 3-pointers on the night. Teammates Gonzalez, Lisa Kentris (SO/Latham, NY), Nadia Shadi (SO/New York, NY) and Ashley Calder (SR/Merrick, NY) also played well, despite the loss.

The Panthers (2-8, 1-4 Skyline) are back in action this weekend at Old Westbury.