Box Score Cael Evans, Justin Grotevant and Steve Ware all had 16 points to lead the Misericordia University men's basketball team to a 73-65 win over Wilkes in the Freedom Conference opener for both teams, Wednesday night at the Anderson Center.

Matt Greene had nine points and seven assists while Ware and Grotevant added nine and eight rebounds, respectively.

After a Wilkes basket to open the game, Grotevant made a jumper to tie it and ignite a 19-0 run over the next eight minutes.

Greene drilled a three-pointer to make it 9-2 and Evans sandwiched a pair of layups around two free throws by Joe Busacca for a 15-2 lead with 13:55 to go in the first half.

Busacca banked in a short jumper to beat the shot clock and Grotevant added two free throws to put MU in front, 19-2, with 12:26 left.

Greene drained a long three-pointer for a 22-4 lead with 11:10 to go.

Wilkes outscored the Cougars 25-13 in the final 10 minutes of the half to get within six, 35-29, at halftime.

MU's Travis Buckner hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer from the corner to open the second half and stretch the lead to 38-29.

Wilkes went on an 8-2 run to get within three, but Ware buried a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 43-37 with 15:29 remaining.

Leading 48-44, Jesse Urich drilled a three-pointer from in front of the MU bench for a 51-44 lead with 10:16 to go and Ware's turnaround jumper made it 53-44.

Evans converted a three-point play for a 58-46 advantage with 7:36 left and Grotevant drilled a three-pointer for a 61-48 lead.

Wilkes cut it to 66-61 with 1:39 to play, but never got any closer.

Buckner made a pair of free throws and Ware added one for a 69-61 lead with 25 seconds left.

Misericordia, 3-2 (1-0), will travel to Manhattanville, Saturday.