DALLAS, Pa. – The Susquehanna men's basketball team opened the 2015-16 season on a high note as they dispatched the Cougars of Misericordia 88-82 on the road Tuesday night.

Brandon Hedley led both teams in points with 21 while Josh Miller had a double-double for the evening with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Steve Weidlich followed closely with 18 points, six rebounds and two steals.

The Crusaders started the game down until at 23-22 a Miller jump shot gave them their first lead of the night. However, the lead did not last long as Misericordia tied it at 27 with seven minutes remaining in the half.

Ryan Traub gave SU the final lead of the half, with a layup, to go up 35-34 with 2:35 remaining. The Crusaders proceeded to go on a 9-5 run and ended the half with a five point lead, 44-39.

Susquehanna held its lead until the 14:22 mark when the Cougars' Tyler McGarry made a three pointer to take the lead 53-52. SU immediately answered with a Zach Newby layup but Misericordia took the lead back with two free throws.

The Cougars kept the lead for most of the remaining half until two points from Danny Weiss and five from Weidlich put the Crusaders up 75-73 with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

At the 2:37 mark Misericordia came within one point with two points from Jason Kenny but it would not be enough as Susquehanna went on to win 88-82.

The Crusaders return to action on Friday, Nov. 21 when they host Penn State-Wilkes Barre in the second game of the Pepsi Tip-Off Tournament. The game starts at 8:00 p.m.