WASHINGTON – The Catholic University of America men's basketball team went toe-to-toe with No. 11 team in the country on Wednesday night inside the DuFour Center, but were edged by Susquehanna, 89-83.

Junior forward Jay Howard returned from a one-game injury absence and nearly went for a triple-double to lead the Cardinals as they shot over 54-percent from the field and four players reached double-figure points. Howard finished the game 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Catholic led from the start and took a 41-32 lead at the break. The Cards led by 15 four minutes into the second, 51-36, but a strong second-half run by the River Hawks gave the advantage to Susquehanna, 62-60.

The game would knot at 62 and 64-all, but back-to-back baskets for the Hawks started a 12-6 run that put Susquehanna up 12. Catholic was able to cut it back to six on a last second layup, but could get no closer.

Senior guard Louis Khouri had a game-high 24 point and nine rebounds and added five assists, four 3-pointer and a steal in 30 strong minutes. 

Rookie guard Brandon Easton scored a career-best 16 points on 6-of-9 field goals and 3-of-5 attempts from downtown and added a game-high three steals.

Catholic held Susquehanna to just 3-of-13 from downtown in the first held, but the River Hawks came back to knock down 45-percent of its shots from 3-point range and 48-percent from the field in the second.

Steve Weidlich led the Hawks with 24 points while three other players had 18-or-more. 

The loss is just the second at home for the Cardinals and they will look to get back on the winning track this Saturday when they host Juniata at 4 p.m.

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