PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team secured its first Skyline Conference win of the season Wednesday, easily outpacing Manhattanville University by the score of 88-64.

With the result, both the Panthers and the Valiants are now 5-7 overall and 1-2 in the league.

While the guests raced in front early, it was the Blue and Orange that controlled the tempo for most of the game.

In the opening half, they led by as many as 14 points before settling for a 10-point halftime margin, 44-34.

Following the break, the Valiants came out of the gate quick, trimming the deficit to just a single point twice over the opening four minutes.

However, the Panthers weren't going to be stopped on the night, as they bent but never broke. In fact, in the second half, they held the lead the entire 20 minutes.

The biggest led of the game came with just over six minutes to go, as a dagger 3-pointer from Trey Skeete (JR/Brooklyn, NY) put Purchase ahead by 26 points.

In the end, the hosts settled for the 24-point victory in a crucial Skyline Conference battle.

Overall, the Blue and Orange enjoyed a great night shooting the rock, as they converted 54.7% of all shots and 37.9% from long range.

The Panthers also limited their turnovers and absolutely dominated points in the paint and bench points.

Individually, Rashid Nikiema (JR/Winooski, VT) finished with a game-high 23 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Chad Duke (JR/Brooklyn, NY) was right on his heels with 22 points and four assists, while Gabe Bristow (JR/Poughkeepsie, NY) added 13 points and four rebounds.

Skeete collected eight points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the winning effort.

Up next for the Panthers is a road contest with Skyline foe, Mount Saint Mary College. That game is scheduled for January 11th at 2 p.m.