The Misericordia University men's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, 78-50, in their Freedom Conference opener, Wednesday at Wilkes.

Ethan Eichhorst was the only MU player in double figures with 11 points.

Wilkes opened the game on an 8-0 run as Eichhorst picked up two personal fouls in the first two minutes and the Colonels eventually built a 23-2 lead less than eight minutes into the game.

Jeff Slanovec finally got the Cougars back on the board with a three-pointer with 12:16 to play in the half.

Cael Evans sank a short jumper to make it 30-11 with 8:34 to go before both teams went scoreless over the next six minutes.

Justin Grotevant's layup broke the drought and made it 30-13 with 2:45 to go. The Colonels closed the half on 10-2 spurt to take a 40-15 halftime lead.

MU, 5-1 (0-1), will host Manhattanville, Saturday at 3:00.