The Misericordia University men's basketball team dropped its season opener to #8 Swarthmore, 94-69, Friday in the first round of the Hilton Scranton Invitational.

Nate Kreitzer led the Cougars with 27 points on 10-16 shooting and Kevin Lazdowsky added 14 points.

Derek Smith added eight points and had a team-high five rebounds.

After a back-and-forth first half, Swarthmore opened the second with a 9-0 run to take a 53-39 lead.

A bucket by Lazdowsky and a free throw from Pierre Daron combined with back-to-back baskets by Kreitzer got the Cougars within 53-46 with 15:26 to play.

Swarthmore answered with five straight points and maintained a double digit lead the rest of the way.

Kreitzer made two straight three-pointers to give the Cougars a 34-32 lead with 3:33 left in the first half.

The Garnet scored five straight point to in front for good, 37-34.

Misericordia will play Centenary (NJ), Saturday at 2:00 in the consolation game.