The Misericordia university men's basketball team defeated DeSales University 59-58, in thrilling fashion, Tuesday evening at the Anderson Center.
 
Noah Rivera intercepted an in-bounds pass with two seconds remaining to preserve the win as the Cougars pulled into a three-way tie with DeSales and Eastern in the MAC Freedom standings at 9-4.
 
Jason Kenny scored 19 points to move into fifth place on the all-time points list at Misericordia with 1,474 career points. Tony Harding added 16 points and eight rebounds while Rivera nearly had a double-double posting 14 points and nine rebounds.
 
The Cougars will wrap up the regular season when they host Manhattanville, Saturday.
 
Tyrell Mann's first shot of the day was a three in transition to give the Cougars a 14-12 lead.
 
A 9-0 run gave DeSales a 23-19 lead forcing the Cougars to call their first timeout of the night.
 
DeSales pushed the lead to seven before a Harding's three cut the lead down to four entering the half.
 
A pair of Kenny free throws with 8:34 left in the second half, gave the Cougars their first lead since the 11:18 mark in the first half, 50-49.
 
With MU leading 59-58, DeSales had one last chance to win, but Rivera stole the in-bounds pass to secure the victory for the Cougars.