KINGS POINT, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team suffered a Skyline Conference loss Wednesday evening, falling to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 63-50.

With the result, the Panthers dropped to 5-4 overall and 1-2 in the league. For the Mariners, they improved to 3-3 and 1-0, respectively.

The two sides played a tight matchup to begin, as neither side gained a lead greater than five points over the first 20 minutes. At halftime, the Mariners led 28-24.

That narrative quickly changed in the second half though, as USMMA jumped ahead early and never looked back.

The hosts nailed a 3-pointer to begin the frame, before scoring five of the next seven points and pushing the margin to double digits for the first time all game, 36-26, with 18:31 remaining.

Despite the deficit, Purchase never quit on the night.

Over the course of the second half, the Panthers trimmed the lead to as few as eight points four separate times, but couldn't get any closer.

In the end, the guests succumbed to USMMA by the final score of 63-50.

The 50 points were the second fewest scored all season by the squad, which isn't surprising considering their shooting woes on the night.

Overall, the Panthers went 19 for 69 from the field or 27.5%, and attempted just six free throws in the loss. Meanwhile, Merchant Marine made 40.3% of its shots.

Individually, Mark Morgan (SR/Bronx, NY) led the team with nine points and three rebounds.

Terrence Mason (JR/Greenburgh, NY) and Elijah Holmes (SO/Brooklyn, NY) each tallied eight points apiece, while Isaac Johnson (JR/Bronx, NY) recorded seven points and seven rebounds in the defeat.

Up next for the Panthers is a return home to face the Knights of Mount Saint Mary College on December 10th. That Skyline Conference matchup is set to begin at noon and you can follow along right here.