The Misericordia University men's basketball team's rally fell just short in a 59-55 loss at Alvernia, Wednesday.

Jeff Slanovec came off the bench to lead the Cougars in scoring with 12 points on four three-pointers.

Dom Del Prete had 11 points and six rebounds and Robbie Johnson added 10 points.

Trailing 55-43 with 4:31 remaining, the Cougars went on a 12-2 run to pull within 57-55 with two seconds to play.

Slanovec started the run with a three-pointer and after the teams exchanged free throws, Del Prete nailed a jumper to make it 56-49 with 2:30 to go.

Johnson drained back-to-back jumpers to pull within 56-53 with 1:30 left.

Vinny Baumunk's putback made it 57-55, but the Crusaders sank a pair of free throws with one second remaining.

Alvernia took a 28-15 lead early in the second half, but MU went on a 15-3 run to pull within one, 31-30, with 13:24 to play.

Marcus Little, Slanovec and Andy Smith combined for four three-pointers during the stretch.

MU, 7-5 overall and 1-2 in the Freedom, will host Manhattanville, Saturday at 3:00.