In the first round of the RAMADA Laurel Line Tournament, the Misericordia men's basketball team held visiting Baptist Bible to just 18 first-half points as they cruised to an 81-55 victory at the Anderson Center.

The Cougars improve to 2-0 on the season and will now face Marywood tomorrow in the Laurel Line championship game at 8 PM. Baptist Bible (1-1) will face Penn State-Hazleton in the consolation game at 6 PM.

The Baptist Bible Defenders had no answer for MU swingman Robbie Johnson, who poured in 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Sophomore Jeff Slanovec had 11 first-half points and finished with 17 for the day.

Misericordia also saw solid all-around efforts from center Mark Williams (10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, nine rebounds, three steals) and forward Dom Del Prete (10 points, seven rebounds, four assists).

The Cougars jumped out to an early 8-0 lead, with the Defenders not scoring their first point until over six minutes into the game. Misericordia would hold their opponents to just one field goal in the first 11:25 of the game, with a Slanovec three-pointer giving them a 13-3 lead midway through the half.

MU continued to push its advantage, grabbing a 19-point lead on a three-point play by Ethan Eichhorst and taking that advantage into the break.

The Cougars were on fire after halftime, as a tough and-one from Del Prete gave the home side a 48-22 lead before Mark Leonard converted a fast break to give MU its biggest lead of the game, 50-22.

Misericordia had the opportunity to give their second line a run out in the second half, with Tyler White stealing a Baptist Bible pass and converting the fast break to give MU a late 77-52 advantage. Despite being the smallest player on the floor, Cougar guard Joe Marra grabbed two tough offensive rebounds immediately after stepping into the game.

The Defenders struggled with their shooting all day, and only had one player in double-figures- Kyle Pannebaker with 11 points. Pannebaker also led Baptist Bible with eight rebounds.