The Misericordia University women's basketball team dropped into a three-way for second place in the Freedom Conference with a 68-42 loss at DeSales, Saturday.

Tyann McDaniel led the Cougars with 12 points and Christine Marks went over 1,500 career points with 11 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

DeSales shot 9-of-12 from three-point range, including 6-of-7 on the way to a 33-22 halftime lead.

After DeSales stretched the lead to 43-24 early in the second half, the Cougars cut the deficit to 11 twice.

McDaniel and Marks hit back-to-back three-pointers to get within 43-30 with 12:25 to play.

DeSales responded with another trey and McDaniel answered with a three-pointer for the Cougars.

Lauren Smicherko made a layup to make it 46-35 with 10:43 to go.

The teams traded baskets with Katie Drayton's layup making 48-37 with 8:13 remaining, but the Cougars never got any closer.

Misericordia, 11-9, is tied with DeSales and Eastern for second place in the Freedom at 7-3.  The Cougars will host Eastern, Wednesday at 6:00.