WASHINGTON — The Catholic University of America men's basketball team was edged in its season opener against No. 14 Christopher Newport, 80-78, at one of the opening games of the Hood College Rotary Tip-Off.

CNU made two free throws with 45 seconds left to take the lead in the battle and was able to hold off the Catholic late attempts to seal the victory.

Catholic shot 48.4-percent from the field (31-of-64) and 76.5-percent from the line (13-of-17), but Christopher Newport countered with 10 3-pointers.

The Cardinals got a game-high 28 points from senior Jay Howard as he went 12-of-20 from the field and added four rebounds, two steals and an assist.

Junior Andre Mitchell and sophomore Riley Hayes each chipped in 14 points to round out three Cards in double-digit scoring.

Catholic held a 42-29 halftime lead but CNU stormed back in the second to hold a 51-36 point lead and edge out the Cardinals for the win.

It is a quick turnaround for the Cards as they play again tomorrow in the second game of the Hood Tournament. 

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