OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. – The Purchase College women's basketball team secured a nail-biting 66-65 overtime win over The College at Old Westbury on Saturday afternoon. The victory lifted the Panthers to 3-8 overall and 2-4 in the Skyline Conference, while the hosts dropped to 0-10 and 0-6, respectively.
The game began with Old Westbury racing to a quick 6-0 lead before Purchase found its rhythm. The Panthers answered with strong offensive and defensive efforts, building a 34-25 advantage by halftime. However, the home team came out firing in the third quarter, cutting into the deficit with a 19-13 edge to set up a tightly contested final frame. Regulation ended in a 58-58 deadlock, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Blue and Orange jumped ahead early and built a five-point cushion, but Old Westbury refused to go quietly. With two minutes remaining, the hosts clawed back to trail by just one. The final moments turned into a defensive battle, with both teams vying for control.
The decisive play came with seven seconds left when Old Westbury attempted a potential game-winning three-pointer. Purchase junior Charlee Neb (Longmont, CO) delivered a clutch block, sealing the victory for the Panthers, 66-65.
Kaylena Steiner (SO/Fresno, CA) led the Panthers with a double-double, recording 20 points and 11 rebounds while hitting all six of her free throws. Kendall Larsen (SO/Staten Island, NY) also notched a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Jessica McHugh (SO/Ellenville, NY) came off the bench to contribute 10 points and six boards.
Neb's decisive block in the closing seconds preserved the Panthers' one-point lead, capping off her performance, which included three points, five assists, and two blocks.
Purchase out-rebounded Old Westbury 64-63, with notable contributions from Larsen and
Halle Greaige (SO/Rye Brook, NY). The thrilling contest featured seven ties and three lead changes.
The Blue and Orange will return to action after the winter break, kicking off the new year with a Skyline matchup against Sarah Lawrence College on January 7th at 6 p.m.
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