PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team kicked off the year with a close defeat Saturday afternoon, falling to Kean University by the score of 62-58.

On the day, the game saw 12 lead changes and seven tie scores, as neither side led by double digits in the effort.

In the opening half, the Panthers enjoyed the biggest lead of just six points at halftime, 30-24.

Following the break, the hosts continued to maintain the lead until 12 minutes remained, as the Cougars managed to claw their way back, 40-39.

Over the next eight minutes, the two squads traded the lead back and forth as neither led by more than a single possession.

That changed late though, as Kean scored three layups in a row to pull ahead to its biggest margin of the game thus far, seven points, 58-51 with 3:48 left.

90 seconds later, the lead was up to nine points for the visitors but the Blue and Orange did not go quietly. They scored the final five points of the contest before eventually running out of time in the end.

Overall, the Panthers shot 43.6 percent from the field and just 26.9 percent on 3's. For the Cougars, they had worse shooting percentages, finishing at 40 percent and 18.2 percent, respectively.

The difference in the win came down to a slight edge in total rebounds and offensive rebounds, in addition to the turnover battle. All three categories favored the guests which sealed Purchase's fate on the day.

Individually, Nate Maldonado (SR/Bronx, NY) led the Panthers in scoring in his Panther debut, recording 11 points, including three 3-pointers.

Maurice Western (FY/Bronx, NY) chipped in 10 points, four rebound and six assists in his collegiate debut, while Trey Skeete (SR/Brooklyn, NY) added 10 points and two steals in the first game of his final season.

Up next for the Blue and Orange is the first road game of the year, as they travel to Lehman College on November 11th at 7 p.m.