Box Score The Misericordia University women's basketball team was unable to dig out of an early deficit in a 74-49 loss to Eastern, Saturday afternoon at the Anderson Center.

Lauren Smicherko led the Cougars with 14 points and 10 rebounds and Shannon Croasdale added nine points.

Nikki Baro had even points and Jaclyn Hajec had seven rebounds and three assists.

The Eagles jumped out to a quick 16-4 lead seven minutes into the game.

Sam Baro's pull up jumper and two free throws from Smicherko and Croasdale pulled the Cougars with 20-12 midway through the half.

Trailing 29-17, Nikki Baro hit a 12-foot jumper and Sam Baro followed with a reverse layup to cut the margin to 29-21 with 3:22 to go.

Eastern led 33-22 at halftime and used a 17-8 spurt to open the second half and take a 49-30 lead.

Misericordia will visit Delaware Valley, Wednesday.