Riverdale, NY - Off the heels of a big win over Mount Saint Mary, the University of Mount Saint Vincent returned home, looking to contuining their winning ways in conference action against Purchase College. The team looked well on their way to do just that, but second half struggles propelled the Panthers past the Dolphins by the score of 74-71. 

The end result put UMSV at 1-3 in Skyline play. 

Eric Woodberry continued his ascension as the team's top offensive threat, with his 28 points registering as a career high. He also proved to be a force on the boards with seven rebounds. 

Blake Salice-Mitchell further impressed in his second campaign with the Dolphins, also reaching a career-high with 19 points of his own. Classmate Aidan McCahey did a tremendous job in the passing lanes with five assists while also recording nine rebounds. Junior Joel Gado posted yet another double double on the year, this time with 13 points and 10 boards. 

The Dolphins put together one of their best stretches of the season across the first half of play. The ball movement was happening early and often, with UMSV recording 10 total assists. The team as a whole shot 48% from the field, with Woodberry specifically finding spots all over the floor with 16 first half points. The sophomore went six-of-nine from the floor, including knocking down 66% of his three point attempts and going perfect from the free throw line. 

Salice-Mitchell made his presence felt offensively as well. The center got involved in the passing game with two early assists while also reaching double digits in scoring (10 points) in 14 minutes. McCahey generated the offense, including three assists of his own while upping his physicality on defense. After seeing the game tied at seven points apiece, the Dolphins stayed ahead of the Panthers. A big reason behind the double digit lead was an impressive 14-0 run by UMSV, one that saw Joel Gado record six points and was capped off by a Louis Vidal three. 

The Dolphins entered the break with a seven point edge. 

While the first half was all UMSV, the second half belonged to Purchase. The Panthers gained momentum with a full court press, resulting in an 8-0 run to kick off the half, making it a 43-42 game in favor of the visitors. Woodberry halted the run with an and-one conversion to put the Dolphins back on top. 

Despite trading baskets, the Dolphins would see their lead reach six points on multiple occasions, including with less than nine minutes in regulation. To the credit of the Panthers, they continued to chip away, taking the lead with two minutes remaining. Salice-Mitchell once again found his way in the paint to tie things up at 71, but it was Purchase who walked away victorious with a clutch, late game performance. 

The Dolphins look ahead to Wednesday when Manhattanville makes their way to Riverdale.