BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Behind a career-high 31 points from sophomore Matthew Phillips, the Purchase College men's basketball team secured a clutch win at Medgar Evers College Wednesday night, taking the matchup by the score of 92-85.

Phillips (Bronx, NY), who entered the contest with a previous career-high of 23 points, played like a man possessed.

He shot 14 for 24 from the field and grabbed 14 rebounds (10 offensive) to record his fourth straight double-double over 35 minutes of action.

Phillips and the Panthers were aided by Mark Morgan (SR/Bronx, NY) who scored 19 points, and Rashid Nikiema (FR/Montpelier, VT), who tallied 13 points and four steals.

Rebounding played a huge factor in the win, as the guests outpaced Medgar Evers, 48-38 overall and 24-12 on offensive rebounds.

With the extra offensive possessions, in addition to six few turnovers than the hosts, the Panthers (3-3) found enough success to win despite being outshot.

Overall, the Cougars (2-4) shot 47.5% from the field to the Panthers' 41.5%. The hosts also performed better on 3-pointers and free throws.

Despite the shooting difference on the night, Purchase found itself ahead early.

Through the first 20 minutes, the Panthers only trailed once before finding themselves ahead by their biggest margin of the game right before halftime, 51-42. 

In the second half, things tightened much more between the two sides.

In fact, not only did the hosts regain the lead a handful of times in the frame, they pushed their advantage to seven points, 70-63 with 9:51 remaining. 

The Panthers remained steadfast in their approach though, and eventually regained the lead for good at 84-83 via a layup from Isaac Johnson (JR/Bronx, NY) with 4:12 left. 

From there, the guests' defense suffocated the Cougars' attack and held them scoreless for almost the entire rest of the game. 

Up next for the Purchase College men's basketball team is a quick turnaround, as the team is back in action tomorrow (December 1st) at Five Towns College at 7 p.m.