The Misericordia University men's basketball team opened the new year with a 68-55 loss to undefeated Franklin & Marshall in the opening game of the Sponaugle Tournament, Monday in Lancaster.

Matt Greene led the Cougars with 15 points while Joe Busacca and Ethan Eichhorst both had 11 points.  Jeff Slanovec added 10.

The Cougars were just three of 10 from the floor in the first half and trailed 25-14 at halftime.

MU fell behind 36-18 in the second half, but responded with an 8-0 spurt to cut the deficit to 10.

Eichhorst started the run with two free throws and Greene drained back-to-back three-pointers to get within 36-26 with 13:19 remaining.

Later in the half, Busacca converted a three-point play to get MU within eight at 55-47 with 4:51 to play, but the Cougars never got closer.

MU, 8-4, will face Drew, Tuesday at 5:00.