PURCHASE, N.Y. - A sluggish fourth quarter sank the Purchase College women's basketball team Thursday night, as the Panthers were outlasted by the Maccabees of Yeshiva University, 73-62. 

Over the first three quarters, the teams traded the lead back-and-forth 10 times, with the margin between the foes only crossing into double digits once during the first 30 minutes. The two sides entered the final period with Yeshiva ahead by just three points, 48-45.

During the opening minute of the quarter, Ariella Johnson (SO/Brooklyn, NY) nailed a jumper for Purchase, trimming the margin to just a single point and seemingly setting up a close finish.

However, following the basket, the Panthers' mojo began to wear off as their offense put up three missed shots and three turnovers during the next six possessions.

On the other side of the court, the Maccabees responded with eight-straight points during that time to gain some much needed breathing room and make it 56-47 with 6:50 to go.

Over the next minute, Miya Ritchie (SR/Harlem, NY) cut into the Maccabees' advantage with a jumper and two free throws to make it five points, 56-51.

But that was as close as Purchase got the rest of the night, as Yeshiva roared back with a 12-3 run over the next four minutes to essentially seal the game. 

With the result, the Panthers dropped to 1-14 overall and 1-11 in the Skyline Conference. Meanwhile, the Maccabees jumped to 6-7 and 4-7, respectively.

While the loss was tough for Purchase, the early portions of the night showed just how talented this team is. In the opening period, they led by as many as six points, before pushing that margin to seven points, 29-22, midway through the second quarter.

Even as the game started to get way from the Panthers late, they continued to fight all the way to the final whistle. 

Individually, Ritchie fueled the effort with a career-high 18 points and four steals, while Johnson finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds to tally her fourth-straight double-double. Kasia Morrison (SO/Bronx, NY) added 14 points and five rebounds in the losing effort. 

Up next for the Panthers is the first Battle of the Panthers this season, as Purchase travels to SUNY Old Westbury this weekend. That contest is scheduled for 11 a.m. on January 29th.