The Misericordia men's basketball team had to fight for every point in an 88-84 win over FDU-Florham Wednesday night, but with season's end in sight, the Cougars know what's at stake.

 

Vinny Baumunk led the team with 21 points on the night. Andy Smith and Marcus Little each chipped in 15, Robbie Johnson added 14 and Dom DelPrete another 12.

 

Baumunk kept his motor running on defense, racking up 11 rebounds and a season-high three blocks. Little and DelPrete grabbed seven boards apiece.

 

The Cougar offense had to move quickly to keep pace with FDU's Ryan McPherson. He scored 36 points—18 in the first half. Smith took it upon himself to match three-pointers with McPherson, sinking 3-for-3 beyond the arc.

 

The Cougars used a 7-0 run at the start of the second half to jump ahead 48-42, matching their largest lead of the first half. Baumunk highlighted the run with a powerful dunk.

 

They cashed in 19-of-29 tries from the line after taking a nine point lead and forcing the Devils to foul into double bonus.

 

The Cougars (11-11, 5-8) head to Manhattanville for the first of their final three regular season games on Saturday, Feb. 14. They return home Tuesday, Feb. 17, for the regular season finale against Wilkes.