PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team lost a close contest Saturday, falling to the University of Mount Saint Vincent, 80-73.

With the result, the Panthers moved to 9-8 overall and 3-5 in Skyline Conference games. For the Dolphins, they advanced to 7-11 and 5-3, respectively.

On the day, the two sides traded the lead and were tied five times each, as both held the advantage for at least 13 minutes overall.

Despite the back and forth nature of the contest, each side enjoyed a large advantage during the battle, as Purchase pushed its way in front by eight points and Mount Saint Vincent peaked at 10 points.

However, in the first half, the biggest margin for either side was just six points, as the Blue and Orange took a 42-37 score into the break.

Following halftime, the Panthers nailed a 3-pointer to extend their lead to the biggest of the day, 45-37.

The Dolphins were not fazed by the deficit though. Instead, the guests rallied over the next four minutes to grab the lead back, 51-50.

Minutes later, Purchase managed to tie the game up at 54-all, before a pair of free throws on the ensuing Mount Saint Vincent possession put the guests up for good.

Over the final 12 minutes of play, the deficit grew larger for the hosts until it finally hit double-digits for the first time late in the game. In the end, the Panthers fell by seven points, 80-73.

On the day, Purchase shot 39.4% overall but just 16% from long distance. For the Dolphins, they finished with marks of 43.1% and 33.3%, respectively. 

Individually, Matthew Phillips (JR/Bronx, NY) led the way after recording a team-high 20 points and 16 rebounds.

Rashid Nikiema (SO/Winooski, VT) and Trey Skeete (SO/Brooklyn, NY) each tallied 15 points and six rebounds apiece, while Mahamadou Nimaga (SR/Bronx, NY) added 11 points in the effort.

Up next for the squad is a road matchup with Yeshiva University on January 24th at 8 p.m.