The Misericordia University women's basketball team improved to 4-0 in Freedom Conference play this season by beating the defending champion DeSales Bulldogs 57-53, Wednesday night at the Anderson.

In an up-and-down game highlighted by several big runs, the Cougars had the last word, out-scoring their opponents 16-8 over the final 5:41 of play.

Sophomore Jesse Robinson had 16 points and six rebounds for Misericordia, while classmate Christine Marks (13 points, 13 boards) turned in a double-double. Courtney Sykes had eight rebounds.

Losing 45-41 late, freshman Tyann McDaniel hit a three-pointer to pull within one. Robinson then fought her way to the line on four straight possessions, hitting six of seven free throws, including one three-point play.

DeSales pulled within a point after a Kelly Magrann three-pointer, but Marks and Bernadette Guy hit late free throws to ice the game.

A long halftime buzzer-beater from freshman Alivia Richter highlighted a late first-half surge in which the Cougars out-scored DeSales 18-3 in the final seven minutes.

Down 20-13, a pair of field goals by Marks and a free throw from Vanessa Wright pulled MU to within two. Richter then drained a three-pointer to give Misericordia its first lead of the game, 21-20.

After Wright stole an errant Bulldog pass on the ensuing possession and converted the lay-up, DeSales was forced to call timeout. The break did little to help the situation however, as McDaniel dropped another three-pointer on the next Cougar possession.

McGrann stopped the run with a trey of her own, but a Robinson lay-in and Richter's final shot allowed MU to enter the break leading 31-23.

Down 36-27 with 16 minutes remaining, the Bulldogs began pressing and ran off seven straight points to tie the score. After baskets by McDaniel and Robinson, DeSales then took the lead with a 9-0 run, setting up the Cougars' late rally.

Magrann finished with 12 points for the Bulldogs, who were led by Lori Lidlow's 17. Cherelle Simmons led DeSales with 13 rebounds.

The Cougars are now 8-5 overall and continue Freedom Conference play on Saturday when they travel to FDU-Florham.