Manhattanville broke open a close game late in the first half en route to an 89-62 win over visiting Misericordia University in Freedom Conference women's basketball action, Saturday.

Lauren Smicherko led the Cougars with 21 points and Shelby Brochetti added 17.

Justine Seely had seven points and a team-high eight rebounds.

The teams traded baskets and the lead throughout much of the first half with Seely giving MU a 22-21 lead with 8:43 to go.

Shannon Croasdale answered a Manhattanville bucket with a layup for a 24-23 lead with 6:57 left.

The Cougars trailed 28-26 with 5:30 remaining, but the Valiants went on a 14-7 run to close the half and took a 42-33 lead into the break.

Croasdale scored the opening basket of the second half on a fast break to cut the deficit to seven points, but the Valiants used a 10-2 spurt to take a 52-37 lead and never looked back.

The Cougars will host King's, Wednesday.