WASHINGTON – The Catholic University of America men's basketball team trailed by as many as 24 on Wednesday night at Susquehanna, but the No. 22 Cardinals battled back to make it a six-point game with just 25 seconds left. It was not enough however, as they were edged, 87-81, by the Crusaders. 

Senior point guard Bryson Fonville once again led the way with a team-high 21 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists and two steals along with hitting the triple that brought the Cards within six in the final half minute. CUA could get no closer however, falling in its Landmark Conference opener.

For the first time this season, sophomore Jay Howard was held under 23 points, but went a perfect 9-of-9 from the field for 19 points, chipping in seven rebounds and two assists.

Rookie Jimmy Golaszewski got hot off the bench for head coach Steve Howes, going for a career-high 15 points, hitting 4-of-9 from long range, but it was not enough in the end for Catholic.

Four Crusaders scored at least 13 points, led by Josh Miller who totaled a game-high 26 as Susquehanna took a 47-36 lead into the break. They then ballooned the lead to 24 after a triple by Miller made it 62-38.

CUA slowly chipped away at the advantage, going on an 11-3 run to get back into it, but time expired before the Cards could get closer than six in the final minute.

The Cardinals will look to even its Landmark record on Saturday at Moravian.