The Misericordia University men's basketball team overcame a sluggish start to defeat Albright, 87-78, in the first round of the Crowne Plaza Holiday Tournament, Thursday afternoon in Reading.

Jason Kenny had 31 points to lead five players in double figures as the Cougars improved to 9-1.

Griffin Sponaugle added 16 points and Tony Harding had 12 while Tre Fields and James Hawk both scored 10. 

Hawk had a team-high nine rebounds and three blocks and Kenny added seven rebounds and three assists.  Sponaugle had five assists.

Albright broke a 19-19 tie with a 7-0 run midway through the first half and eventually took a 37-26 lead with 3:32 left in the first half.

Sponaugle scored five points, including a three-pointer, over the final 2:25 as the Cougars pulled within 40-37 at halftime.

Harding drilled a three-pointer to cap a 7-0 run early in the second half as Misericordia took a 59-51 lead with 14:03 to play.

Albright rallied to take a 67-66 lead, but the Kenny and Sponaugle both made two free throws to put MU back in front, 70-67, with 5:34 remaining.

Kenny's jumper broke a 72-72 with 4:05 to play and put the Cougars ahead for good.

Kenny hit a three-pointer to start a 7-0 spurt as MU built an 83-74 lead with 1:08 to go.

The Cougars will face New Jersey City in the championship game, Friday at 4:00.