Box Score

DALLAS – Matt Mullins (Binghamton, NY, Chenango Valley) scored a season-high 24 points but it wasn't enough as Wilkes University fell to Misericordia University 86-71 in the Colonels Freedom Conference men's basketball opener on Wednesday night.

After a quick opening score from Misericordia, Chris DeRojas (Dallas, Bishop O'Reilly) answered with a three-pointer to take a one-point lead less than two minutes into the game. That would be the Colonels only lead of the contest.

Both teams would trade baskets as a basket from Paul Huch (Tuckerton, NJ, Pinelands Regional) cut the Wilkes deficit back to one at 10-9. After the Cougars stretched their lead to five at 17-12, the Colonels got a bucket from Kendall Hinze (Lewisberry, Red Land) and a three from Mullins, getting the score to 19-17 with 8:46 remaining in the half.

Misericordia responded by going on a 20-4 run over the next 5:44 to take a commanding 39-21 lead with just over three minutes to go before the half. The Cougars would go into the locker room with a 43-28 lead.

The Colonels began the second half on an 8-2 run, cutting the deficit to 47-36 with a Huch field goal. Misericordia then came right back with 11 straight points, extending their lead to 22 points with 13:24 remaining in the game. Wilkes tried to rally, getting within 12 points, but the Cougars closed out the Colonels for the 15-point win.

Ethan Eichhorst led all scorers, netting 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for Misericordia (5-0, 1-0). Sean Bieski, 14 points, was one of three other Cougars who scored in double-figures.

Along with Mullins 24 points, Hinze added 16 points to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks. Huch had eight points, seven rebounds and three assists for Wilkes.

The Colonels (2-3, 0-1) will travel to Freedom opponent FDU-Florham this Saturday. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.