PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Purchase College men's basketball team punched its ticket to the Skyline Conference playoffs Saturday afternoon, after besting Manhattanville University by the score of 56-54.

With the win, the Panthers moved to 10-14 overall and 8-7 in the league. For the Valiants, they moved to 11-13 and 6-8, respectively.

On the day, the Blue and Orange led for over 80 percent of the game, including their biggest margin of nine points late in the first half, 24-15.

At halftime, the score was 26-21 in favor of the hosts. However, despite being in control nearly the entire way, the Panthers could not bury Manhattanville.

In fact, the guests kept things so close, that the win came down to the final possession as their 3-pointer just rimmed out as time expired.

Overall, the Panthers shot 36.7 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from long range. For the Valiants, they finished with totals of 31.1 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively.

Individually, it was a balanced effort as Desmond Ward (SR/Queens, NY) led the way with 11 points, 18 rebounds and three steals.

Sean Holzman (JR/Putnam Valley, NY) added 10 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Hunter (SR/Charlotte, NC) and Trey Skeete (SR/Brooklyn, NY) each tallied nine points and six rebounds apiece.

Up next for the squad is the regular-season finale, as well as Senior Night, as they take on the University of Mount Saint Vincent on February 18th at 8 p.m.