DALLAS, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Basketball fell, 82-72, to the host Misericordia University Cougars in an early-season test rematch of last season's MAC Freedom Semifinal. The Cougars (8-6, 3-0 MAC Freedom) shot 61.5 percent in the second half to pull away to the win.

The two teams slogged through a defensive struggle in the first half, and were tied at 28-28 after a pair of Austin James free throws with four minutes to play. The Cougars outscored Eastern 8-to-4 over the final four minutes, but the game was very much in reach.

The Eagles scuffled to 39.3 percent shooting from the floor and were charged with 12 turnovers. Even so, they stayed in the game by holding the Cougars to 13-of-37 shooting in the opening frame. Eastern had a 26-16 edge on the glass in the first half.

The game turned at halftime.

The Cougars scored on their first nine and 12 of their first 13 possessions in the second half to open up a double-digit lead. The Eagles were never able to claw back into the game.

Darius Washington scored 13 of his team-high 21 points in the second half, but his scoring total was matched by both Tony Harding and Jason Kenny for the Cougars.

Austin James scored 11 points and Jordan Johnson and Antonio Chapman added 10 points.

"We didn't play with pace and the right effort early," Head Coach Eric McNelley said after the game. "We played better midway through the second half but our effort needs to be consistent and the ball didn't move the way we would like. It's a long season and it's about adjustments. We need to focus our attention on Wilkes and get ready for a tough game on Saturday. We know we will see them [Misericordia] again and will be ready to play."

The Eagles (7-7, 2-1 MAC Freedom) will host the Wilkes University Colonels, who are also unbeaten in the MAC Freedom at 3:00 pm Saturday.