SCRANTON, PA – Visiting Wilkes University fell behind early and despite a second half comeback, fell short falling 76-64 to host Marywood University Monday night at the Insalaco Arena.
 
Wilkes falls to 1-4 overall following the loss while Marywood evens its mark at 2-2 after the non-league victory.
 
The host Pacers raced out to a 40-24 halftime lead thanks to six three pointers and 14 made field goals over the game's first twenty minutes. Wilkes struggled shooting from the field in the first two frames finishing with just seven made field goals including a 1-for-7 performance from behind the arc.
 
Wilkes outscored Marywood 22-16 in the third quarter and cut the deficit to as little as eight, 58-50 early in the fourth quarter after two free throws from Haley Mesaros (Royersford, PA/Pope John Paul II). That would be the closest Wilkes would come as the hosts built the advantage back to double digits hitting the game's next three baskets in the final frame.
 
Wilkes saw five players reach double figures in a balanced offensive attack. Chelsea Smelas (Jim Thorpe, PA/Jim Thorpe) led the way with 17 points and five rebounds while Mesaros followed with 13 points and five boards. Cara Basile (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) and Jamie Campbell (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) each contributed 11 points while Emily Sofranko (Jim Thorpe, PA/Marian Catholic) finished with ten points and a team-high seven rebounds.
 
Catie Nealon topped Marywood with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists.
 
Wilkes makes its home debut and opens MAC Freedom play Wednesday hosting Eastern University at 6:00 p.m. at the Marts Center.