The Misericordia University men's basketball team defeated Wilkes, 68-60, in their MAC Freedom opener, Wednesday night at the Anderson Center.

Jake Bartholomew scored a team-high 17 points while Noah Rivera had 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Nate Kreitzer added 16 points and six steals and Tony Harding contributed 13 points and seven rebounds.

MU jumped out to an early lead 7-2 following a Kreitzer three from the left wing in the second minute of play.

Wilkes turned things around with a 13-2 run to put them up by six with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

Bartholomew made three free throws and Rivera then sank a nice turnaround jumper from the right baseline as the Cougars pulled even, 15-15, midway through the first half.

Harding closed the first half with a jumper in the lane to put the Cougars up 32-27.

Darius Jackson got things going in the second half with a layup after Rivera threaded a pass between two defenders in the first minute of play.

The Cougars found themselves leading by 10 after Bartholomew laid one in off a fast break with six minutes left to play.

Wilkes sent four Cougars to the line in the closing minutes of play and they went 7-10 to close out their first MAC Freedom win.

Misericordia will host MAC Freedom opponent FDU-Florham, Saturday at 3 p.m.​