PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team was defeated Saturday afternoon, falling to Sarah Lawrence College by the score of 59-51.

With the result, the Panthers are now 3-9 overall and 1-2 in the Skyline Conference. For the Gryphons, they moved to 5-6 and 2-0, respectively.

On the day, the lead changed nine times and was tied on four occasions, as the two conference foes battled throughout.

For the hosts, their largest lead came in the first half, 8-3, while the guests enjoyed their biggest margin later in the frame, 21-10.

At halftime, the game was just three points in favor of Sarah Lawrence, 27-24.

In the second period, the game remained close down the stretch, as Purchase lead with just over eight minutes to go. 

However, the Gryphons slowly began to pull away and settled for a second-half high eight-point margin as they secured the victory.

Overall, the Panthers struggled offensively, as they recorded shooting totals of 31.3 percent from the field, 22.6 percent on 3-pointers and 40 percent on free throws.

The guests were not much better, totaling 38.2, 45 and 53.3 percent, respectively.

Individually, Ricky Rollins (JR/Schenectady, NY) powered the close contest with a career-high 20 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Maurice Western (FY/Bronx, NY) chipped in eight points, while Chris Hunter (SR/Charlotte, NC) added seven points and three assists.

Up next for the Panthers is a road contest with Manhattanville University on January 7th at 6 p.m.