PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team earned its third consecutive win over a Skyline Conference foe Wednesday night, besting the University of Mount Saint Vincent by the score of 67-58.

With the win, the Panthers now sit at .500 overall (7-7) and have a winning record in the league (3-2). For the Dolphins, they dropped to 5-9 and 2-3, respectively.

On the night, the game saw nine lead changes and seven tie scores as neither side enjoyed a lead of more than 12 points.

In the opening half, the guests led for the first 14 minutes of play, until a 10-0 run lifted the Panthers ahead for the first time, 27-21.

At halftime, the score was tied at 29-all.

Following the break, the two sides continued to trade baskets until the last five minutes of play, when the Blue and Orange finally started to pull away.

With the scored tied at 49-all at the five minute mark, Purchase proceeded to outscore Mount Saint Vincent, 18-9, down the stretch to seal the win.

Overall, the hosts led for just 13 minutes all night, but controlled the action during the most crucial time.

They also enjoyed advantages on shooting percentage, rebounds, turnovers and points in the paint to earn the hard fought victory.

Individually, Rashid Nikiema (JR/Winooski, VT) finished with a game-high 24 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way.

Matthew Phillips (SR/Bronx, NY) also collected a double-double with15 points and 12 rebounds, while Chad Duke (JR/Brooklyn, NY) chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.

Up next for Purchase is a home matchup with St. Joseph's University-Brooklyn on January 18th. That game is scheduled for 1 p.m.