The Misericordia University men's basketball team fell to host Rochester, 77-56, in the opening round of Chuck Resler Tournament, Friday night.

Noah Rivera had 13 points and six rebounds to lead the Cougars and Tony Harding added 13 points.

Nate Kreitzer added eight points and four assists and Kyle Skivington had eight points.

The Cougars fell behind 20-8 midway through the first half, but answered with a 14-6 run.

Sean Gorman started the run with layup and Skivington added a pair of three-pointers to get within 26-20 with 7:54 to play.

Rivera's layup cut the deficit to 26-22 with 6:33 to go

Harding hit a three-pointer with 1:50 remaining, but Rochester closed the scoring with 1:35 left to take 35-28 halftime lead.

Harding nailed another three-pointer early in the second half, but Rochester scored six straight points and maintained a double digit lead the rest of the way.

Misericordia will play Mt. St. Mary in the consolation game, Saturday at 3:00.