The FDU-Florham women's basketball team pulled away over the final 10 minutes to defeat Misericordia University, 85-58, in the Freedom Conference opener for both teams, Wednesday night in the Anderson Center.

Lauren Smicherko led the Cougars with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals while Sam Baro added 10 points.  Justine Seely had eight points and a team-high 12 rebounds.

The Cougars trailed 56-47 after Sam Baro's jumper with11:18 to play, but the Devils closed the game on a 29-11 run.

The teams went back-and-forth throughout most of the first half before FDU-Florham hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds to take a 38-29 halftime lead.

After FDU-Florham scored the game's first bucket, the Cougars scored seven straight to take a 7-2 lead.

Seely's put back got the Cougars on the board and Jaclyn Hajec sank a pull up jumper for a 4-2 lead.

Smicherko hit a pull up jumper of a fast break and Nikki Baro added a free throw.

Smicherko pulled up for another short jumper for an 11-8 lead, the Devils rallied to go ahead, 14-13.

Sam Baro's baseline drive kept the Cougars within one, 16-15.

Smicherko buried a three-pointer from the top of the key off a feed from Shelby Brochetti and the Cougars trailed 23-20 with 7:53 to play in the first half.

After back-to-back FDU layups, Sam Baro drilled a three from the left wing to cut the deficit to 27-23 with 5:51 remaining.

Down 33-24, Smicherko and Nikki Baro combined for three free throws to cut it to six, 33-27.

Smicherko hit two free throws with 19 seconds remaining before FDU hit a three-pointer to close the half.

FDU-Florham improved to 6-0 while Misericordia fell to 0-6.
The Cougars will visit DeSales, Saturday.