KINGS POINT, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team suffered a close loss at the United States Merchant Marine Academy Tuesday night, falling by the score of 76-73.

With the result, the Panthers dropped to 9-7 overall and 3-4 in the Skyline Conference. For the Mariners, they jumped to 6-10 and 3-4, respectively.

In the opening half, the largest lead for either side was just seven points, as the hosts clung to a four-point margin at the break, 34-30.

Over the opening eight minutes of the second frame, the Panthers erased the deficit and tied the contest up at 47-all. The problem was they just couldn't edge ahead when they needed too, and in turn, never lead in the second half.

Following the tie score, USMMA responded with its best run of the night (20-9) to grab its biggest lead of the night (11 points - 67-56) with just under four minutes to go.

Purchase continued to battle though, cutting the score to just three points twice during the last minute of play. However, the Mariners held on for the clutch win.

Overall, the guests shot 38.5% from the field and 36% on 3-pointers. Meanwhile, USMMA finished with totals of 49.1% and 25%, respectively.

Individually, Mahamadou Nimaga (SR/Bronx, NY) finished with a game and season-high 25 points, while grabbing five rebounds.

Rashid Nikiema (SO/Winooski, VT) added 13 points and four rebounds, while Oliver Culliton (JR/Boston, MA) tallied 10 points in the effort.

Up next for the Panthers is a return home, as the squad welcomes the University of Mount Saint Vincent on January 20th at noon.