Junior Ethan Eichhorst had a breakout game in a new position, scoring 31 points as the Misericordia men's basketball team got its 2010-11 season off to a winning start with an 81-70 victory at Centenary.

In his first season as a regular starter, Eichhorst stepped into the center position and controlled the game on both sides of the floor, shooting 11-for-14 from the floor and adding a game-high 11 rebounds.

Robbie Johnson had 17 points while freshman Matt Greene finished with 13. Jeff Slanovec was also in double-figures with 11 points.

The game was tied for the final time at 45-45 early in the second half when baskets from Sean Bieski, Scott Huddle and a three-pointer from Greene helped push the Cougars to a 56-48 lead.

The advantage was again eight as Greene drained another three-pointer to put MU up 61-53. After a Centenary bucket, Slanovec's three-pointer increased the lead to nine.

The Cyclones were unable to get closer than five down the stretch, as Eichhorst calmly drained eight straight free throws to keep the hosts from mounting a comeback challenge. In the final seconds Greene stole the ball, was fouled and hit both freebies to finally push the Cougar lead into double-digits.

At the start of the game, Johnson found Eichhorst underneath for Misericordia's first basket of the season. Soon after, Johnson would make a tough up and under and drop a three-pointer to give MU an early 9-7 lead.

Johnson and Eichhorst, two of Misericordia's more experienced players, combined for the team's first 17 points of the game. The stretch lasted until Eichhorst left the floor after eight minutes and Huddle hit a layup to put the Cougars up 19-15.

Eichhorst was also tough on the defensive end, taking two charges upon his return to the action as the Cyclones struggled for baskets. The junior then hit three consecutive hoops to give Misericordia a 25-21 lead.

Centenary would rally with six unanswered points, but threes from Slanovec, Greene and Frank Nutt late in the first period allowed MU to enter halftime with a 39-32 advantage.

The Cougars are 1-0 and will host their annual McCarthy Tire Laurel Line Tournament this weekend. MU will face Baptist Bible on Friday night at 8 PM, while Marywood and PSU-Hazleton meet in the other semifinal at 6 PM.