Justine Seely had another big night to lead the Misericordia University women's basketball team to a 57-46 win over Manhattanville in their MAC Freedom opener, Wednesday night in the Anderson Center.

Seely had 19 points to go over 1,000 for her career and added 11 rebounds.

Paige Wampole added 11 points and nine rebounds off the bench and Japriya Carroll had 10 points.  Rachel Carmody had nine rebounds as the Cougars improved to 7-4 overall.

After Manhattanville took its first lead since the opening minute, 37-36, late in the third quarter, the Cougars went back in front on a three-point play by Wampole.

MU pulled away with an 18-9 advantage fourth quarter.

Carmody sank a short jumper off an inbounds pass from Liz Waleski and Seely found Shannon Croasdale for a fast break layup and 45-37 lead with 6:05 to play.

Manhattanville broke a six-minute scoreless streak with back-to-back buckets to get within four points with 4:38 remaining, but never got any closer.

The teams combined for just one field goal over the final 4:29 and MU pulled away with 12 free throws over that span.

The Cougars took a 26-14 lead on a pair Shannon Croasdale free throws midway through the second quarter.  Carroll's back-door layup from Hajec to make it 28-16, but the Valiants scored seven of the last eight points of the quarter to pull within 29-23 at halftime.

Seely tied the game, 4-4, on a layup for her 1,000^th career point and Croasdale gave the Cougars the lead with a baseline drive.

Seely scored off a lob pass from Waleski for a 12-6 lead.  Waleski hit a foul line jumper and drained a three-pointer from the right wing as the Cougars closed the first quarter with a 17-8 lead.

Hajec drilled a three-pointer from the left wing to ignite an 8-0 run to give MU a 26-14 midway through the second quarter.

The Cougars will visit FDU-Florham, Saturday.