Box Score

The Albright College men's basketball team earned its second victory of the season over an NCAA tournament team, defeating Misericordia 68-48 in the Bollman Center.

The Lions improve to 11-1 on the season, with wins over Messiah and Misericordia (both NCAA qualifiers in 2011-12) now to their credit. The sole blemish on Albright's record is a loss to conference rival Alvernia.

Pedro Perez had a game-high 16 points and added eight rebounds, while fellow junior Sam Marrella had six assists. Seniors Zach Benjamin and Dave Singleton each had 11 points, with Singleton grabbing eight boards.

Albright did not trail over the final 38-plus minutes of the game but did lead by just three at the break. Perez opened the second half scoring after Marrella found him with a nice inbounds pass.

Misericordia's Sean Bieski rejected Singleton from behind on the fast break, but Marrella soon found Jordan on another break with a nice bounce pass and a 40-33 Albright lead.

After some great team ball movement against the zone, Cornell Mickens' three-pointer gave the Red and White a 43-33 advantage. The lead was again 10 after Mickens kept a play alive with an offensive rebound, leading to Perez' bucket and a 45-35 scoreline.

The Cougars' Jesse Urich found Steve Ware with a nice pass underneath, but Albright soon pulled away. Singleton made a tough shot while being fouled to put the hosts up 54-40.

Benjamin hit an open three early to put the Lions ahead for good, 5-3. Singleton then fed Jordan who hit Benjamin with a snap pass for two more points. Matt Greene answered from behind the arc to keep Misericordia close at 9-8.

Singleton's tough fadeaway jumper from the right side capped an 8-0 Lion run and put Albright ahead 17-8. Greene hit a step-back of his own, but a 20-footer from Lion center Calvert Gantz made it 21-12.

Misericordia's Joe Busacca hit an up-and-under late in the first half, as the Cougars closed to within a possession. Albright led 32-29 at the break.

Greene finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Justin Grotevant added 13 points. Albright will resume Commonwealth play with a home game against Elizabethtown on Saturday (2 p.m. tip); Misericordia falls to 6-6 on the season.