The Misericordia University women's basketball team lost to fifth-ranked Kean, 72-53, in the opening round of the Lycoming Classic, Saturday.

Tyann McDaniel and Jesse Robinson led the Cougars with 12 points each and Robinson added a team-high six rebounds.

Courtney Sykes and Christine Marks both had nine points for MU.

Vanessa Wright opened the game with a three-pointer and McDaniel scored the next six points for MU as the teams played to an 8-8 tie over the first four minutes.

After an 11-0 run by Kean, McDaniel and Marks sandwiched three-pointers around a Robinson layup to pull within 22-16 with 8:58 remaining in the period.

Kean closed the half on a 25-7 run for a 47-23 halftime advantage.

MU opened the second half on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 47-30.

Marks sank a pair of free throws and Robinson converted a three-point play before a Marks layup with 17:58 to play.

MU, 6-4, will play St. Lawrence, Sunday at 1:00.