The Misericordia University men's basketball team captured a 76-67 win over Freedom rival Delaware Valley Wednesday night on the strength of a big second half.

 

The Cougars offense kept pace with a speedy Aggies squad throughout the first half, but a 23-23 halftime score may have came thanks in large part to the containment of the Aggies' leading scorer, Jim Jones. Jones entered the game ranked first in the Freedom in scoring, but was held to just five in the first half.

 

Vinny Baumunk scored six of the Cougars' 10 points in their largest run of the first half, including a dunk through heavy traffic. Still, it was Robbie Johnson who led the Cougar offense at halftime with nine points.

 

In the second half, it was Dom Del Prete who got things rolling. Del Prete smashed the tie with a long three-pointer and a quick layup. He surged throughout the second half, totaling 13 points.

 

Despite a 20-point effort from Jones in the second half, the Aggies could not match the Cougars. Baumunk added another 15 to Del Prete's efforts.

 

The Cougars pulled away with the win after shooting 22-for-24 from the foul line in the second half. Two Aggies fouled out, and another three were one strike away. Marcus Little shot 5-for-7 from the line; Baumunk was 7-for-8; and Andy Smith was 5-for-6.

 

Baumunk led the Cougars with 21 points on the night. Johnson and Del Prete each ended with 13. Marqus Hunter spread the ball around with five assists.

 

Smith led with seven rebounds, and Baumunk followed with six.

 

Jones' 25 led the Aggies, and Jason Goldheimer reached double digits with 11.

 

The Cougars (8-8, 2-5) head to DeSales for a Saturday afternoon conference match-up. Tipoff is at 3:00 p.m.