The Misericordia University women's basketball team dropped a tough 69-68 decision at #17 Juniata in the opening round of the Juniata Classic, Thursday.

Christine Marks led the Cougars with 21 points and nine rebounds while Jesse Robinson added 19 points.

Hannah Seely had 17 points and Tyann McDaniel added 11.

Robinson was 11-13 from the foul line while Seely shot 8-11 from the floor.

The Cougars rallied from a 10-point deficit, 65-55, with 5:00 to play.

Marks and Seely sandwiched layups around a pair of Robinson free throws to get within 65-61 with just under three minutes remaining.

Marks scored four straight points to make it 67-65 with less than a minute left and McDaniel drilled a three-pointer to get within 69-68 with four seconds to go.

Marks grabbed a defensive rebound with two seconds left, but the Cougars were unable to get a shot off.

After falling behind 19-7 early in the first half, MU rallied to tie the score later in the half.

Seely made back-to-back jumpers and Robinson converted a three-point play to get within 24-22 with 7:19 to go in the half.

Seely scored four straight points again to make it 29-28 and McDaniel buried a three-pointer to tie it, 31-31, with 4:25 before halftime.

Juniata took a 38-33 halftime lead and eventually built a 12-point lead again in the second half to set the stage for another MU rally.

The Cougars are 4-5 and will play St. Vincent's, Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Juniata.