Purchase, NY (Feb. 18, 2017) – The Purchase College men's basketball team saved their best for last on Senior Day, pulling out a thrilling 67-66 victory over the United States Merchant Marine Academy Saturday.

Before the home crowd, the Panthers, who trailed throughout, came from down 39-30 at the break and double figures for most of the second half, to squeeze out the one-point win.

In the process, the Panthers closed out the regular season at 16-9 overall and 10-6 in Skyline Conference play. Purchase will host Yeshiva University Tuesday in the tournament's first round. The game is a rematch from last season's opening-round game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

USMMA finished its season at 8-17, 4-12.

The Panthers seized the game over the final three minutes. An intentional foul call with 23 seconds left on Kaliph Grant (JR/Bronx, NY) led to a made free throw and a possession for the Panthers. That's when Nikeem Deleon (JR/Bronx, NY) followed, sinking the eventual game winner. Although the Mariners would hold the final possession, Purchase tightened up on defense and clinched the narrow win.

The pregame, senior festivities provided the perfect backdrop for a come-from-behind classic. Prior to the contest, seniors Kalyn Credle (SR/Queens, NY) and Kayvon Reid (SR/Tuckahoe, NY) were honored. Head coach Kyle Martin penned some words about each senior, which were delivered by Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini. Ciafardini MCed the brief ceremony. 

"Kalyn Credle is a senior captain, who was a member of the Skyline Conference Academic Honor Roll, and has been a great leader throughout his senior year. Over the course of past two years, Kalyn has developed a reputation as one of the best 3-point shooters in the conference, and has had multiple games where he has come in and made consecutive 3s that ultimately helped lead the team to victory, including this year against Vaughn, Cortland State and York.

"Coach Martin often calls him the 'Most Likely to be Employed,' as he is one of the smartest, hardest working kids he has ever coached," Ciafardini said. "On campus, he holds a 3.5 GPA, is a Resident Advisor and will graduate this spring with a degree in Sociology."

Reid was the final senior introduced.

"Kayvon Reid is a senior captain, who has been a four-year player that has improved every year. This year, Kayvon has given the team tremendous leadership and energy off the bench, and has been a key player for the Panthers, averaging close to 20 minutes per game in conference play.

"Coach Martin noted that he has never coached a kid that has made such a drastic 180 like Kayvon has, noting that early on he didn't even like Kayvon, but now he is easily one of his favorite guys and is really going to miss him being a member of the team. Coach Martin also said when he first got the job in 2015, Kayvon told him he didn't 'mess with' morning practices, and now when he walks into the building he sees Kayvon lifting weights by himself at seven in the morning. Kayvon is on track to graduate with a degree in Economics."

Despite the good vibes early, USMMA led 9-2 in the opening minutes. A dunk by Purchase's Deshawn Cann (SO/Queens, NY) helped turn things around, making it 9-4. Cann then brought the Panthers within one, 9-8, on a drive and foul.

The visitors held a 16-10 advantage with 13 and a half minutes to go in the first half. Reid scored at 13:14 to pull the hosts back within four, 16-12.

The Mariners built their nine-point, halftime lead from there forward, outscoring Purchase 23-18 before intermission. USMMA's Matt Miller led the way with 13, first-half points. Cann and Deleon had eight and six, respectively for the Panthers in the first half.

In the second half, a Reid jam followed by a Brian Berrios (JR/New York, NY) 3-pointer closed the gap to 49-39 at around 13 minutes. Shortly later, another 3 from Berrios (10:02) brought the Panthers back within 10 again.

During the next stretch, Tarik Allicock (JR/Brooklyn, NY) and Kewan Beebe (JR/Glen Cove, NY) had timely hoops as the Panthers closed within one, 57-56 at 6:06. The duo helped Purchase chip a 10-point deficit to one over four minutes of play. Grant was also a key contributor and spark plug down the stretch. His steal and hoop helped the Panthers keep it close, down 62-61 late.

Purchase used its second-half momentum to swing the game in its favor over the final three minutes. Grant, Berrios and Deleon were standouts on the afternoon. Berrios finished with a team-high 15 points. Cann and Deleon finished with 13 and 12, respectively. Grant chipped in eight points off the bench, while starring defensively with four steals (matched game high; also shared by USMMA's Hunter Jones). Reid finished with four points, five boards and two blocks in his final regular-season game.

The Mariners had three players in double figures offensively, including Miller. He finished with 22 in the loss.

NOTES: A host of alum from both the men's and women's programs were on hand for Senior Day 2017, including three members of the 2002 men's basketball championship team – Chris Johnson, Mike Bolt and Tyrelle Scott … The Panther Cheerleaders also celebrated SR Day at halftime of the men's game. Recognized were: Desiree DeWysocki, Courtney Kopa, Olivia O'Haire, Emily Salvoni, Elizabeth Harding, Taylor Barje, Jessica Leather and China DuVall … Don't miss Tuesday's Skyline Conference men's basketball first-round game here at Purchase College. Admission is free for faculty, staff and students (with college ID). For other spectators, there is a $5.00 charge for adults and children over the age of 12. Once again, the athletic department will be encouraging fans to wear white on "WHITE OUT NIGHT!"