BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Despite Ariella Johnson's 26 points and 11 rebounds, the Purchase College women's basketball team fell at St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn), 79-50, Saturday afternoon inside The Hill Center.

Johnson added three assists and a game-high six steals to the double-double performance for the Panthers (1-12, 1-9 SKY), but the sophomore guard's heroics were not enough to cease fire from the entire SJC offense.  

The Bears (3-12, 3-9 SKY) were paced by Kelly O'Donnell, who led all scorers with a notable 30 points and 16 rebounds (12 offensive). In what was a decisive factor in the game, the senior guard connected on 10-of-21 from the field and 9-of-10 from the charity stripe, to go along with four steals and three blocks. Jamie Provino chipped in with 13 points, while Fatima Monsour and Emma Kiley combined for 23 boards.

Both teams were cold to open the game. Following a scoreless 90 seconds of play, the Bears broke the ice on a Provino jumper inside the paint. The hosts continued to ignite, firing in nine unanswered points to take a generous 11-0 lead.

Purchase missed its first nine attempts before lighting up the board with a pair of made free throws from Johnson in the sixth minute.

SJC produced 10 points over its next four possessions to open up a 16-point advantage. The hosts would lead by double digits for the remainder of the game.

St. Joe's found the range in the second half and they used another 11-0 run to stretch their lead to 59-29 at the break.

Purchase improved to 41 percent shooting in the fourth and scored nine unanswered to chip away at the SJC lead, but the Bears held on en route to the Skyline win.

The two teams will go head-to-head again on Tuesday (Jan. 25)—this time on the Purchase hardwood. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.