DIX HILLS, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team emerged victorious for the second time in as many nights, besting Five Towns College by the score of 83-72 Thursday evening.

Outside of a three-minute stretch to begin the game, the Panthers (4-3) were they dominant force in the win.

In the first half, they pushed their lead to as many as 14 points en route to a 38-24 lead at the halftime break.

Purchase maintained its lead over the final 20 minutes, though the guests kept things interesting.

With under 13 minutes to play, Five Towns (2-5) cut the margin to just four points twice, but that was as close as the hosts got the rest of the way.

From there, the Panthers responded by pushing the lead to its biggest total of the game, 16 points at 68-52, with a little over five minutes to go.

The guests then remained strong over the final ticks to secure the victory, 83-72.

On the night, Purchase shot 39.4% from the field but made up for it by going 19 for 19 at the free throw line. For the hosts, they shot 38.6% overall and just 72.7% on free throws.

Individually, Rashid Nikiema (FR/Montpelier, VT) led the Panthers with a career-high 15 points and eight rebounds.

Joining Nikiema in double-digits were Matthew Phillips (SO/Bronx, NY) with 13 points and Mark Morgan (SR/Bronx, NY) with 10 points.

James Brady (SR/Yonkers, NY) nearly added a double-double in the win, recording eight points and 13 rebounds. 

Up next for Purchase is a return to Skyline Conference action, as the team hosts Maritime College on December 3rd at noon. You can follow along right here.