PURCHASE, N.Y. - While the game of basketball has become scoring-centric over the past decade, Saturday's matchup between Purchase College and Maritime College proved that defensive contests can still be quite exciting.

In the end, the Panthers prevailed over the Privateers, 57-56, following a last-second defensive stand.

After taking the lead with just under six seconds to go via a Matthew Phillips' (SO/Bronx, NY) free throw, the hosts stood firm and didn't even allow the guests an offensive chance to end the game.

Maritime initially got the ball into the front court, but was unable to get a shot off as the Panthers' defense knocked the ball free and no one was able to collect if before time expired.

With the result. Purchase moved to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the Skyline Conference. For Maritime, the team now sits at 3-5 and 0-1, respectively.

The win was well earned for the hosts, as the back-and-forth contest saw five lead changes and seven tie scores on the day.

In the first half, each side started slow with the Panthers trailing for much of it. In fact, Purchase's biggest lead was just three points in the frame, while its biggest deficit was seven points.

However, at the break, there was no separation between the two clubs as they were tied at 23 apiece.

In the second frame, the tight affair remained just as close.

With 16:51 remaining, Phillips converted a layup to put the Panthers ahead, 30-29. The hosts then held the lead for the next 12-plus minutes until the guests retook the advantage, 54-52 with 2:14 to go.

Purchase then closed out the game on a 5-2 run to knock off the Skyline Conference foe, 57-56.

In total, the Panthers shot just 34% from the field, 23.8% on 3-pointers and 69.6% from the line. Maritime faired about the same, totaling percentages of 35.1, 22.2 and 63.2, respectively. 

Individually, three players finished in double figures for the hosts, as Trey Skeete (FR/Brooklyn, NY) led the team with 13 points. 

Phillips continued his breakout campaign with another double-double, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Isaac Johnson (JR/Bronx, NY) added 11 points off the bench.

Up next for the Panthers is more Skyline Conference action, this time on the road at United States Merchant Marine Academy. That contest is set for December 7th at 7 p.m.