PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team was defeated in the Home Opener Tuesday evening, falling to Connecticut College by the score of 71-62.

With the result, the Panthers moved to 1-2 overall, while the Camels remained undefeated at 2-0.

Despite Connecticut leading from start to finish, the Blue and Orange kept the game tight all night, never trailing by more than 12 points. At halftime, the margin was just five points, 37-32.

In the second half, the Panthers trimmed the deficit to just two points on three separate occasions, but couldn't overcome to tie or take the lead.

As the period progressed, the Camels' lead grew back to as many as 12 points, as the visitors prevailed in the end, 71-62.

Overall, Purchase shot 39% from the field, and a fantastic 50% from 3-point range. For the guests, they finished with totals of 47% and 32%, respectively.

In the end, Connecticut earned the victory in one key area, points off turnovers, as it outpaced the hosts 24-0 in the category.

Individually, Matthew Phillips (JR/Bronx, NY) led the Blue and Orange with 14 points, nine rebounds and five blocks.

Isaac Johnson (SR/Bronx, NY) added 11 points and three steals, while Rashid Nikiema (SO/Winooski, VT) totaled 10 points and four rebounds.

Up next for Purchase is a week off, before the squad returns to action at Pratt Institute on November 21st at 6 p.m.