PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team survived a late comeback attempt Tuesday night, outpacing Sarah Lawrence College by the score of 65-62.

With the win, the Panthers moved to 11-11 overall and 7-6 in the Skyline Conference. For the Gryphons, they dropped to 14-8 and 10-3, respectively.

For the game, the Blue and Orange led for nearly 80% of it, including a game-high 12-point advantage in the first half. 

However, the guests didn't go down without a fight, eventually clawing back to regain the lead with just under six minutes to go, and tying the game up at 61-all with under five minutes remaining.

While neither side could buy a bucket down the stretch, the hosts did just enough to emerge with the victory after only scoring a layup and a pair of free throws over the last 4:51 of action.

On the night, the lead changed eight times and was tied a trio of times between the two teams.

Overall, the Panthers shot the ball better in all three phases, but free throws were the difference maker. For the hosts, they went a perfect 10-10 from the line, while Sarah Lawrence finished at just 50% (8-16).

Individually, Rashid Nikiema (JR/Winooski, VT) continued his breakout season, finishing with a game-high 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. He also went 6-9 from the field, 4-5 on 3-pointers and 8-8 on free throws.

Gabe Bristow (JR/Poughkeepsie, NY) was the only other Panther in double figures, as he finished with 11 points and nailed three 3's.

Up next for Purchase is road Skyline action, as the squad travels to Manhattanville University on February 16th at 3 p.m.