Golden Eagles Clawed by Purchase Panthers in Skyline Action

Purchase, N.Y.-  After thumping the Purchase Panthers (5-12,5-5 Skyline) in their last meeting on January 7, the Golden Eagles (11-7, 8-3 Skyline) were outscored in the rematch, losing 90-75, Saturday afternoon, despite 20-point performances from Fernando Vazquez (Babylon, N.Y./ Babylon) and Andy Laurent (Amityville, N.Y./ Amityville).  The Golden Eagles three-game winning streak ends after not facing defeat since January 17 at the hands of the Sage Gators (14-4, 8-3 Skyline).

Vazquez's strong performance came after a high-flying first half, where he contributed a period-high 17 points off 7-of-9 field goal shooting, including a three-pointer to start the game.  SJC was in a tight race most of the way with the Panthers, as the highest point differential between the two teams was four points until about seven minutes left in the game. 

With 1:57 left in the first half, Vazquez was able to connect on another deep bucket followed by a lay-up to lift the Golden Eagles 40-39 lead over Purchase.

The Panthers were able finish the first period strong over St. Joseph's by hitting on their final two shots to give them a 44-40 advantage going into intermission.

The Golden Eagles battle continued in the second where SJC regained the lead at 18:35 when Isaiah Moore scored on a three-pointer that was trailed by another lead change after the Panthers made a jump shot.  Forward Sean McCarthy (Kings Point, N.Y./ Kings Point) scored on a lay-up to steal the lead back for the Golden Eagles, 50-49.

SJC held onto the lead until 13:09, when the Panthers tied the game up at 55. 

For the remainder of the way, St. Joseph's had no answer for the Panthers offense, which outscored the Eagles 35-20 in the final 13 minutes. 

Laurent tried to pave a comeback for SJC, scoring 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting, but it wasn't enough as the Panthers finished the period with 46 total points.

Not only did Vazquez and Laurent put up 20 points apiece, both contributed in different areas on the court as Vasquez grabbed three rebounds, while Laurent had five assists and a board.

Billy Heenan (Amityville, N.Y./ Amityville) and McCarthy shared a ten-point scoring night, while Heenan captured five rebounds and a steal, as McCarthy had two rebounds and two assists.

The Golden Eagles will look to brush the defeat to the side as they ready for a Skyline Conference skirmish against Old Westbury (7-10, 7-3 Skyline) Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Danzi Center.