NEW YORK, N.Y. – Despite an ensemble of double-digit scorers, including a 29-point performance from rookie guard Justin Mason, the Purchase College men's basketball team fell to Hunter College, 112-94, on Monday night.

Mason (FR/Staten Island, NY) came off the bench to lead all scorers and notch a career-best points tally. The standout newcomer connected on 14-of-27 attempts from the floor, while also grabbing a notable eight rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Matthew Phillips (FR/Bronx, NY) produced big numbers for the Panthers as well, finishing with 21 points and 13 boards en route to his second double-double this season. Eric Block (SR/Warwick, NY) was next in line with 18 points, while Terrence Mason (JR/Greenburgh, NY) capped the double-digit scoring effort with 11 points and eight rebounds.

After a Hunter tally broke the scoring ice for the game, Phillips drained back-to-back layups to give Purchase a 4-2 advantage. The lead would trade hands over the next several possessions before the Panthers erupted with six unanswered points to take a 30-24 edge over the hosts.

With under six minutes remaining in the half, the Hawks began to claw back, and at 4:51 they were back out in front, 35-34. The hosts closed the half with a 14-6 to lead 49-40 at the break. 

After an opening stanza that saw 10 lead changes and seven ties, the second half played out very differently.

Despite shooting 52% over the final 20 minutes, the Panthers were plagued by the halftime deficit as they trailed Hunter for the remainder of the game.

In defeat, Purchase dropped to 0-7 overall. The Panthers look to break the streak this Wednesday in their home opener against Ramapo. The non-conference matchup—slated for 7 p.m.—will be the first time the Panthers have played at home since their semifinal win against Sarah Lawrence on Feb. 27, 2020.