Albany, NY –The Sage College's women's basketball team hosted the Panthers of Purchase College in a Skyline Conference contest in Kahl Gym on Wednesday night. The Gators recorded an 81-62 win to improve to 8-5 overall and 3-2 in the Skyline Conference, while Purchase drops to 2-13 overall and 0-5 in the league.

Sage's senior guard Lea McClain (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) tallied a career-high 18 points off the bench and was red hot making 5-of-7 shots from three-point range. The 18 points betters her previous career-high of 17, which she had achieved previously on two occasions.

The Gators led 39-22 at the break and McClain had 12 points in the first half as Sage forced 14 Purchase turnovers and held them to 23.3% shooting from the floor.

Sage's senior forward Amie Jefferson (Albany, NY/Colonie Central) tallied eight points but hauled in 13 rebounds, including nine defensive boards. The program's No. 2 all-time rebounder, Jefferson now has 678. She added one block, elevating her career block mark to 145.

Senior guard Megan Bowman (Dannemora, NY/Saranac) added 11 points with six assists and two steals for the Gators, while sophomore forward Krystyn Knockwood (Troy, NY/Troy) also had a career best night with 14 points and seven boards. The 14 points betters her 12 points against Southern Vermont last season.

Purchase's sophomore guard Allison Haugh (New City, NY/Clarkstown South) had a game-high 22 points, while adding three three-pointers. Junior center Elizabeth Osowiecki (Franklin Square, NY/H. Frank Carey) added 16 points with six rebounds and was a perfect 6-6 from the line before fouling out of the contest with 10 minutes left in the second half. Rookie guard Michelle Rupelli (Staten Island, NY/New Dorp) added 12 points with three assists and two steals, while senior forward Jeidar Cole (Bronx, NY/Cardinal Spellman) added a team-best nine rebounds with six points.

Bowman now has 829 points and moved into the No. 7 spot on the all-time scoring list as she moved ahead of Erin Willis (822, 1999-2004). She is also now No. 3 in all-time steals with 216, while ranking No. 3 in assists with 387.

The Gators are back in action on Saturday, Jan. 24 travelling to SUNY-Old Westbury for a 1 p.m. Skyline game. Purchase is back in action on Jan. 26 hosting Farmingdale State at 6 p.m., also in a league match-up.