ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - Defending Skyline Conference champion SUNY Purchase visited Bard on Thursday night and made it clear they intend to contend for this season's title as well.

After spotting Bard an early 8-4 lead, the Panthers went on a 23-0 run and breezed to a 78-51 victory. Purchase is 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Skyline play.

Bard (0-6, 0-3) started out well, but eventually had trouble with Purchase's length and athleticism. The Panthers began pressing midway through the first half and the final result was a 27-2 scoring advantage off of turnovers. Purchase shot 48 percent from the field for the game and grabbed 40 rebounds to Bard's 29.

Senior guard Michael McNair (Valley Cottage, NY) led the Panthers with 16 points in just 17 minutes.

Bard senior Christian Marghella (Closter, NJ) and junior Matt Shubert each finished with 14 points to pace the Raptors.

Bard will next participate in the Hilton Garden Inn Tournament at Skidmore College this weekend. The Raptors will play host Skidmore on Saturday, then either Thomas College or Utica College on Sunday.