ITHACA, NY - The Purchase College men's basketball team fell in an unusual matchup Tuesday evening, as the Panthers lost to Cornell University, 100-68, in a non-conference road game.

The matchup was unusual because the Big Red of Cornell University are a Division I squad, while the Panthers are a Division III program. Prior to the game, the last time Purchase squared off with a DI school came in 2007, when the Panthers fell to Army by the score of 101-40.

On paper, a DI school should easily roll to a win against a DIII program, even against a talented group like Purchase. However, the Panthers entered the night on a six-game winning-streak and showed Cornell early on just how much they meant business. 

After Cornell stormed out to a quick lead, the Panthers rallied back to secure their biggest advantage of the night, 12-7. Immediately following that score line, Cornell embarked on a 14-0 run that swung the game back in Big Red's favor with 12 minutes remaining in the half.

Over the next seven minutes, the hosts continued to maintain a sizable lead until the Panthers managed to claw their way back into the fight. With 3:19 left in the first half, Purchase trailed 37-30, before outscoring the hosts, 8-0, to enter halftime with 38-37 advantage. 

In the first frame, the Panthers shot 50% from the floor, while limiting Cornell to just 40%. That narrative would need to continue in the second half if the guests were going to pullout the improbable win.

However, that did not happen. In fact, almost the exact opposite happened over the next 20 minutes.

In the second half, Purchase was held to just 30 points on 32% shooting. Meanwhile, Cornell exploded for 63 points on 75% shooting from the floor and 66.6% from three-point range!

Despite the end result, the Panthers never folded and showed that they could play with anyone. Freshman Jorden Means (New York, NY) certainly showed what he is capable of, as he enjoyed the best game of his young career, finishing with a team-high 14 points.

Elijah Lott (SR/Albany, NY) and Jorge Perdomo (JR/Bronx, NY) each tallied 12 points, while Andre Peguero (JR/Boynton Beach, FL) recorded nine points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in the loss. 

For Cornell, five players finished in double figures as the duo of Dean Noll (SO/Medford, NJ) and Greg Dolan (FR/Williamsville, NY) combined for 39 points off the bench.

Up next for the Panthers is a return to Skyline Conference action, as the team hosts Sarah Lawrence College on January 11th at noon. You can follow the game right here.