Purchase, NY (Jan. 6, 2018) – Visiting Farmingdale State used the 3-pointer and inside presence Essence Casey to victor over the Panthers Saturday at Purchase.

Long-range shooting lifted the Rams to a 90-64 win. The victory improves FSC to 7-7 overall and 6-1 in Skyline Conference play. The loss dropped Purchase to 4-6, including 2-4.

FSC opened the game with the first score of the afternoon, but Purchase answered back with a 3-pointer by Amber Yarter (JR/Albany, NY).  

Turnovers marred the opening minutes, but both teams regrouped and responded to each other's scores, trading hoops.

FSC led 8-7 at 6:05 in the first quarter, taking a timeout following a score by Purchase's Alfa DeJesus (SO/Bronx, NY).

Shortly after, the game was tied 10-10 before a 3 by FSC's Alexis Antonacci gave the visitors a 13-10 advantage.

FSC increased that margin to 18-12 on another shot from beyond the arc. This time, Liz Durchhalter connected just under four minutes to boost the lead to six.

The quarter ended with FSC holding a 24-12 lead. The Rams pushed that score to 34-21 with four minutes to play in the first half en route to a 45-29 halftime lead.

FSC made seven first-half 3s, with Durchhalter accounting for three of them. She finished the first half with nine points. Antonacci added nine as well, trailing leader Essence Casey (12 points).

Purchase was paced by Yarter and her eight first-half points. She made two of the team's three first-half 3s.

Durchhalter picked up where she left off in the first half. Her three-point shooting and the interior play of Casey propelled FSC to a commanding 57-37 margin with six and a half minutes to play in the third.

The Rams took a 70-46 lead into the fourth and put the finishing touches on the win, despite a valiant effort from the hosts.

The loss snapped Purchase's mini two-game win streak.   

FSC had five players finish in double figures offensively. Casey led the way with 25 points and 13 rebounds, both game highs. Antonacci added 18, while Kaelyn Ward and Durchhalter totaled 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The Rams made 10 3s on the day.

Purchase was paced by Ortiz and her 21 points. Amber Jones (JR/Bronx, NY) netted 19 points and hauled seven rebounds. Nyasia Harris (JR/South Fallsburg, NY) had a team rebounding high of 12 boards.