PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team dropped the final non-conference game of the season Wednesday afternoon, falling to Westfield State University by the score of 59-54.

With the result, the Panthers are now 3-8 overall, while the Owls moved to 8-2. 

On the day, the contest saw 15 lead changes and nine tie scores as the two squads battled back and forth. At halftime, the Blue and Orange trailed by three, 27-24.

Following the break, the game remained close before it appeared like Purchase was going to pull away in the matchup.

With approximately 10 minutes remaining, the Panthers turned a 40-39 deficit into the biggest lead of the game, 50-43, with just under seven minutes to play.

However, the guests continued to fight and eventually rallied back to take the lead with a minute remaining.

From there, they held on as the hosts went scoreless down the final stretch, as the Owls escaped with the hard-fought victory.

Overall, Purchase shot 37.5 percent from the field, while Westfield tallied just 31.7 percent.

The difference in the matchup came down to second chance points (19-7) and turnovers (17-9), as both favored the visitors. 

Individually, Trey Skeete (SR/Brooklyn, NY) finished with a team-high 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

Antuan Darden (JR/Binghamton, NY) totaled 11 points, eight rebounds and six blocks, while Maurice Western (FY/Bronx, NY) chipped in 10 points and five rebounds in the effort.

Up next for the squad is a break for the holidays, before returning in 2026 to Skyline Conference action.

First on the slate will be a home matchup with Sarah Lawrence College on January 3rd at noon.