Box Score

PURCHASE, N.Y. - Despite 21 points from junior Donte Howell (Baldwin, N.Y.), Mount Saint Mary College fell to Purchase College in Skyline Conference action Monday evening.  The Knights drop back to even on the year at 5-5 (2-2 Skyline), while the impressive Panthers improve to 9-1 overall (3-1 Skyline).

The Knights jumped out to a quick six-point advantage on back-to-back threes from Howell, setting the table for a back-and-forth first half.  Mount Saint Mary led by five on another Howell triple at the 7:24 mark, but Purchase scored 10 of the next 12 to seize a three-point lead.  Senior Lenny Ragaglia (Staten Island, N.Y.) answered with a three to tie the game at 26, but Purchase carried a 29-27 lead into the locker room.

The Panthers took control of the game in the opening ten minutes of the second half.  A jumper from senior Craig Davis (Queens, N.Y.) at the 9:38 mark completed a 28-11 run that gave Purchase a 57-38 cushion.  The Knights answered with a mini 7-0 run and were able to close within six when junior Joe Henain (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) knocked down a jumper with 3:54 remaining.  Purchase got the next six points, however, putting the game out of reach.

Howell's 21 points came on 7-of-15 from the field and were a team-high.  Ragaglia hit on 6-of-13 from downtown for 18 points, while Henain completed a monster double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

For Purchase, junior Andre Nixon (Harlem, N.Y.) led the way with 22 points on 5-of-9 from the field and 10-of-11 at the line.  Davis and senior Amar Reynolds (Bronx, N.Y.) each chipped in with 12.

The Knights travel to St. Joseph's College to continue Skyline play on Wednesday, January 9.  Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Patchogue.