The Misericordia University men's basketball team opened the season with a 93-51 loss to TCNJ, Tuesday night at the Anderson Center.

Tony Harding led the Cougars with 10 points and five rebounds while Nate Kreitzer had four assists in his collegiate debut.

Matt Marchetti tied for the team lead with five rebounds.

Patrick Douthit drained a three-pointer from the right wing to open the game and the Lions answered with a three-pointer on their first possession.

After another TCNJ three-pointer, Noah Rivera made a turn-around jumper in the lane to get the Cougars within 6-5.

TCNJ scored six straight points before Harding's putback made it 12-7.

After two TCNJ buckets, Sean Gorman sank a turn-around jumper to keep the Cougars within 16-9.

Harding made a driving layup to keep MU within striking distance, 18-11, with 13:07 to play in the first half, but the Lions eventually stretched their lead to 47-27 at halftime and never looked back.

Misericordia will play at Rochester, Friday.