PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team suffered defeat to their cross-town rival Wednesday night, as Manhattanville College bested the Blue and Orange, 78-69.

With the result, the Panthers dropped to 5-8 overall and 1-5 in Skyline Conference play. For the Valiants, they improved to 11-4 and 4-2, respectively. 

During the opening 20 minutes, the action between the two sides was slow to begin but tight throughout, as neither side held a lead of more than six points in the frame.

In the first half, the lead changed eight times, before the dust settled with the guests in front at halftime, 28-27.

Once the action moved to the second half though, things went awry for the hosts as Manhattanville built a big lead quickly.

Over the first four minutes of the period, the guests outpaced the Panthers, 12-4, to jump ahead, 40-31.

The Valiants then held the lead the rest of the night, pushing it to as many as 15 points, before a late run by Purchase cut the margin to single digits in the end.

Overall, Manhattanville collected the win after tallying a better field goal percentage, more rebounds and fewer turnovers.

Individually, the Panthers had three players finish with double digits, as freshman Rashid Nikiema (Montpelier, VT) paced the squad with 12 points and five rebounds. 

Isaac Johnson (JR/Bronx, NY) and Terrence Mason (JR/Greenburgh, NY) each added 10 points in the loss.

Up next for Purchase is more home action, as the team welcomes Pratt Institute for a non-conference showdown on January 14th. That matchup is set to begin at noon and you can follow it here.