Throggs Neck, NY (Feb. 6, 2019) – Panther guards Elijah Lott and Michael Soffer posted double-double performances to lead Purchase in a 75-59 victory at Maritime College Wednesday night. With the win, the Panthers move to No. 5 in Skyline Conference standings.

Lott (East Greenbush, NY) put up 21 total points, including 10 in the opening 20 minutes en route to his eighth double-double of the season. He pulled down 10 boards, while grabbing three steals three assists and a block. Soffer (Agoura Hills, CA) finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Also leading the PC defense was senior guard Willie Britton (Bronx, NY). He netted 19 points and five boards and tied with teammate Jordan Knochen (SO/Montgomery, NY) for a team-best four assists.  

Purchase opened the game with a combined six points from Lott, Soffer and Britton, respectively. The Panthers continued to heat up, stratching their lead to as many as 20 (32-12) on a jumper from freshman Kyle James (Montgomery, NY) at 6:26.

Maritime stole some momentum heading into the locker room by outscoring the Panthers 7-3 in the closing minutes. 

The Privateers kept the energy going in the second half and slowly chipped away at the Purchase lead. With just over 10 minutes remaining, Alec Downes drained two corner threes to help Maritime cut the advantage to single digits at 61-52 with 7:57 remaining.

The Panthers, however, came up with the answer on the following possession as Lott drained a deep three-point shot. In the final minutes, Purchase connected on four consecutive free throws and closed the game with a Maxx Miller (JR/White Plains, NY) dunk to secure the 75-59 win at Riesenberg Hall.

The Panthers are back in action at home this weekend, taking on St. Joseph's College (LI) Saturday at 2 p.m.