The Misericordia University men's basketball team erased a 12-point first half deficit to defeat Lehman College, 63-60, in the opening round of the Dutch Burch Invitational, Friday evening at Lycoming.

Griffin Sponaugle led MU with 15 points and Erik Kerns had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds as interim head coach Willie Chandler was his debut

D.J. Marlow had 14 points in his Misericordia debut and Jason Kenny added 10 points in his first collegiate start.

James Hawk had 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.

Misericordia trailed 18-6 early in the first half, but used six three-pointers to battle back.

Marlow hit back-to-back three-pointers to start the rally and Kerns' jumper got the Cougars within 21-14.

Sponaugle and Jesse Urich both nailed three-pointers and Urich's free throw and two layups by Marlow gave the Cougars a 25-24 lead with 4:43 to play in the first half.

Sponaugle knocked another three-pointer and Marlow's two free throws put MU up, 30-26, but Lehman answered with a 6-0 run to regain the lead.

Kerns answered a three-pointer with 1:09 remaining to give MU a 33-32 lead.

Lehman got off to a hot start in the second half and took a 51-46 lead.

After a jumper by Kerns and Earl Chang's dunk cut it to 51-50 before Sponaugle converted a three-point play for a 53-51 lead with less than five minutes remaining.

Lehman tied it and James Hawk put the Cougars back in front with a layup.

Marlow's jumper and Kenny's layup gave the Cougars 62-54 lead with less than two minutes to play.

Misericordia will face Lycoming the in the championship game, Saturday at 5:00.