The Misericordia University men's basketball team dropped a tough 77-74 decision to New Jersey City State, Saturday on Doc Mould Court.

Kevin Lazdowsky led the Cougars with 22 points and Joseph Baldachino added 17.  Nick Prociak had 13 points and six rebounds and Dewin Concepcion had a team-high seven rebounds.

The Cougars trailed by 11 midway through the first half, but chipped away and eventually took a 51-50 lead on a three-pointer from Nate Kreitzer with 14:11 to play in the game.

The teams traded baskets the rest of the way and Lazdowsky made a pair of layups to give MU its last lead, 70-69, with 3:20 remaining.

NJCU took a 75-70 lead on a three-pointer with 2:08 to go, but Kreitzer answered with two free throws and Lazdowsky followed with a layup to get MU within 75-74 with just under a minute left.

The Gothic Knights made a pair of free throws with six seconds to go to clinch the win.

Misericordia will host Immaculata, Monday.