The Misericordia University men's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, 80-73, to Catholic in the opening round of the Messiah tournament, Friday.
Kevin Lazdowsky had 25 points to lead four Cougars in double figures and added a team-high six rebounds.
Nate Kreitzer had 15 points and
Nick Prociak and Joe Baldachino added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Cougars went down by 10 early, 13-3, less than four minutes into the game, but rallied to pull even late in the first half.
Kreitzer and Lazdowsky both converted three-point plays and Baldachino made a three-pointer off a steal to key a 9-0 to tie the score, 30-30, with 5:44 left in the first half.
Catholic closed the half on a 12-5 run to lead 42-35 at halftime.
The Cougars trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half, but rallied again in the closing minutes.
Lazdowsky made a jumper in the lane and Kreitzer hit a three-pointer to get within 74-68 with 3:46 remaining.
Lazdowsky made a pair of free throws to cut the margin to 74-70 with 3:44 left, but the Cardinals scored six straight points to secure the win.
The Cougars will play Penn State Abington/Messiah in the consolation game, Saturday at 1:00.
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