The Misericordia University women's basketball led the entire way and clinched a Freedom Conference playoff spot as the Cougars defeated FDU-Florham 61-39, Saturday in the Anderson Center.

It was the final regular season home game for MU's lone senior, Courtney Sykes, who finished with nine points and three steals.

Junior Christine Marks led the way with 20 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Tyann McDaniel added 14 points and three steals.

The Cougars held their opponents to just 14 points in the first half, forcing 18 turnovers.

Sykes drained a three-pointer with one second left on the shot clock to stake Misericordia to an early 10-2 lead. The next time down the floor, McDaniel hit a three to make it 13-2.

Marks hit a long two from the corner with just under five minutes left in the opening half, giving MU a 21-9 lead. Kayla Sileo then answered an FDU three by stroking a 15-footer to make it 23-12.

The second half started out slow just like the first, with McDaniel's triple after more than two minutes providing the opening points of the half and putting MU ahead 30-16.

With 15:36 remaining Marks executed a great post move in the lane, made the hook and was fouled for one more. She converted from behind the arc a minute later to give Misericordia a 38-18 advantage.

McDaniel's cross-court pass found Sykes, who was fouled and hit both shots to stretch the gap to 22 points, at 40-18. Hannah Seely then found Marks with a nice through pass, and the junior finished both freebies as the Cougars led by 24.

Shaleah Alston led the Devils with 16 points, while Shealyn Taggart has a game-high 12 points.

The Cougars improve to 14-8, 9-3 and hold a one-game lead in the Freedom Conference standings over DeSales, King's and Manhattanville. MU travels to King's, Tuesday at 6 PM.