Purchase, NY (Nov. 9, 2018) – Facing one of their toughest opponents of the season, the Purchase College men's basketball team hung tough against non-conference rival New York University on Friday night. The Panthers netted a 43-31 halftime lead but could not hold off a second half surge by NYU that gave the visiting Bobcats their first win of the season, 93-88.  

A back-and-forth opening half saw Purchase (0-1) use a 6-0 run to gain a 15 point lead over NYU (1-0). Panther newcomer Maxx Miller (JR/White Plains, NY) led all scorers in the opening 20 minutes of action with 10 points. The Panthers shot 45.5 percent (15-33), including 22 points in the paint and 20 off fast breaks, while holding their opponents to 37.5 percent (12-32).

In the second half, the Bobcats slowly chipped away at PC's 14 point lead. With a little more than 15 minutes left in regulation, NYU went on a 10-0 run to tie the score at 55 apiece. The game would see another four ties and five lead changes before the final buzzer. The Bobcats shot an impressive 68 percent (17-25), including 6-6 from three-point range to secure the 93-88 victory.

NYU starters Jule Brown and Bobby Hawkinson combined for 42 points (21 apiece) for the visitors. Teammate Alex Casieri chipped in with 21 points off the bench.

Miller put up a team-best 17 points for Purchase. Elijah Lott (JR/East Greenbush, NY) and team captain Michael Soffer (SR/Agoura Hills, CA) also finished with double-digit points, tallying 13 points apiece.  Rob Grullon (SR/Walkill, NY) came off the bench to net 13 points and five rebounds, while Willie Britton (SR/Queens, NY) posted a notable 11 points and seven rebounds.

Purchase looks to bounce back next week when the team heads to Oswego, NY for a two-day tournament hosted by the Lakers.