PURCHASE, NY – The Maritime College men's basketball team fell on the road Saturday afternoon to the Skyline Conference north division leader, Purchase College, by a score of 88-69. The loss dropped the Privateers to 9-12 on the season and 5-7 in Skyline play, which is currently tied with Sarah Lawrence for third in the division.
 
Early in the first half, the Panthers jumped ahead 5-0, but Maritime was able to find their rhythm on offense as Brendan McGovern (Seaford, N.Y./St. John the Baptist) hit a three to cut the advantage to three points 10-7 with 16 minutes on the clock. Unfortunately, the high-powered Purchase offense regained control and went on to lead by as much as 15 at 26-11.
 
The Privateers weren't ready to go away yet though as they started a slow and steady comeback in the opening half. With three minutes left in the half, a defensive rebound from Mike Regan (Dix Hills, N.Y./St. Anthony's) led to a fast break layup for Jaylin Gray (Brooklyn, NY/Nazareth), which put Maritime down just three points at 41-38. However, the Panthers were able to steal the momentum back as the half came to a close by going on a 8-2 run to take a 49-40 lead into the locker rooms.
 
In the second half, a quick three from Regan got Maritime off to a good start, but the rest of the period was controlled by the Panthers. McGovern led the Privateers offensive effort with 19 points, while Brennan Whelan (Northport, N.Y./Northport) chipped in 12 points and eight assists. Regan, Gray, and Ryan Donovan (North Salem, N.Y./North Salem) all contributed eight points as well.
 
The Privateers will to get back in the win column on Tuesday night as they host Mount Saint Mary at 7 p.m. in the Shipyard Game of the Week.