PURCHASE, N.Y. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team defeated Purchase College, 76-50, in its season opener in the Purchase Panther Classic on Friday night, capitalizing on 22 points off turnovers.

The Falcons opened the first quarter with an offensive surge, highlighted by sophomore Ella Bincarosky's (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) early three-pointer from an assist by junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) at 9:52. Cedar Crest continued to build momentum with a balanced attack, as juniors Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) and Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) both contributed key baskets, including Merchant's successful free throws at 8:03. Sophomore Ginger Kerdock's (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) assist to Rios for a three-pointer at 2:27 further extended the lead. The Falcons closed the quarter with a solid defensive effort, maintaining a 28–18 advantage over the Panthers at the end of the first quarter.

Cedar Crest seized control early in the second quarter with a series of successful plays, highlighted by Bincarosky's three-pointer at 7:25, which extended their lead. The Falcons' defensive efforts were notable, with five steals contributing to limiting the Purchase opportunities. Despite some turnovers, Cedar Crest maintained their lead, closing the stanza ahead 47–34.
The Falcons shifted momentum in the third quarter with a key three-pointer by first-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) at 3:34, expanding their lead over Purchase. Merchant contributed with vital points in the paint, including a layup at 1:14, as Cedar Crest maintained control. The Panthers struggled to close the gap, and the Falcons ended the frame ahead 58–41.

Cedar Crest solidified their lead in the fourth quarter with an 18–9 advantage, powered by Bincarosky's back-to-back three-pointers at 8:59 and 8:23, both assisted by Kerdock. The Falcons capitalized on defensive stops, forcing seven turnovers and securing five steals, which fueled their transition game and resulted in nine fast-break points. Purchase struggled to find rhythm, managing only three field goals in the quarter. Cedar Crest converted 12 free throws out of 22 attempts, maintaining their control until the final whistle. The game concluded with the Falcons prevailing, 76–50.

Bincarosky scored 27 points, converting 7-for-12 from beyond the arc to pace Cedar Crest. Merchant added 13 points and collected nine rebounds. Rios registered 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, and one assist. Kerdock recorded seven steals and seven assists, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Swojak posted a near double-double with 13 rebounds and nine points.

Senior Charlee Neb (Longmont, Colo.) led the Panthers with seven points, contributing significantly with five assists and three steals. First-year Tianna Patten (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) added nine points and excelled defensively with four steals while securing six rebounds. Sophomore Ashley Santiago (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.)  also made her presence felt on defense with three steals, along with six total rebounds.

Cedar Crest (1-0 overall) will conclude the Purchase Panther Classic against Lehman College on Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. Purchase (0-1 overall) returns to action on Saturday, taking on Cairn University at 1:00 p.m.