BRONXVILLE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team was defeated in a Skyline Conference matchup Saturday afternoon, falling to Sarah Lawrence College by the score of 72-63.

With the result, the Panthers dropped 4-7 overall and 0-2 in the league. For the Gryphons, they moved to 6-5 and 2-0, respectively.

In the opening half, the two sides each enjoyed sizable leads, before the guests carried the largest margin of the opening 20 minutes into halftime, 30-23.

Following the midway break, Purchase extended its lead to as many as 10 points, until the hosts began to rally.

Slowly but surely, Sarah Lawrence trimmed the margin down, before going in front for good with just under 13 minutes to play. 

From there, the advantage ballooned to double digits for much of the remaining half, as the hosts eventually settled for the nine-point win.

Overall, the Gryphons paced the Panthers in shooting percentage, turnovers and rebounds to secure the victory.

Individually, Rashid Nikiema (JR/Winoosku, VT) led the way with a team-high 19 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Gabe Bristow (JR/Poughkeepsie, NY) chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds, while Chad Duke (JR/Brooklyn, NY) collected 10 points and two steals.

Up next for the Blue and Orange is a return home, as they host Manhattanville University on January 8th at 6 pm.