ALBANY, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team was defeated in its first road game of the season Monday night, falling to Sage College in a non-conference matchup, 70-65.

With the result, the Panthers moved to 3-2 overall. For the Gators, they jumped to 5-2.

In the opening half, it was the Blue and Orange who controlled the tempo early on. Around the 12-minute mark, the guests enjoyed their biggest lead of the night, 16-9, before the margin started to shrink.

By halftime, the hosts managed to edge ahead ever so slightly, 35-33.

Following the break, the Panthers regained the lead momentarily with just over five minutes played, 42-41, thanks to a Chad Duke (JR/Brooklyn, NY) layup.

However, that was the last time Purchase was in front on the night, as Sage started to pull away.

Over the final 15 minutes, the Gators grew their advantage to as many as seven points, before settling for the five-point victory.

Overall, neither team shot the ball particularly well, as both finished sub 38% from the field and long distance.

In the end, turnovers and points off them were the difference maker, as both favored the hosts.

Individually, Rashid Nikiema (JR/Winooski, VT) finished with a team-high 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Also totaling double figures in the effort were Gabe Bristow (JR/Poughkeepsie, NY) and Duke, as the duo each collected 12 points apiece.

Up next for the Panthers is more non-conference road action, as the team travels to Mitchell College on December 4th at 6 p.m.