WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University men's basketball team produced a big win on Wednesday night, dismantling Elizabethtown 98-54 to open conference play on a high.

Four Cardinals scored in double figures as sophomore CJ Ruoff led all scorers with a career-high 17 points off the bench. Ruoff was effective in all aspects of the game, shooting 7-for-10 from the floor and canning three of his four three-point attempts. He also grabbed four rebounds including one offensive board and notched one block.

Tommy Kelly added 14 points while Dan Buckley and Jesse Hafemeister both scored 13 as 19 Cardinals saw game action and 13 scored.

Aaron Kelly's team protected the basketball well. Catholic did not commit a turnover for the first 11 minutes of game action and only registered six giveaways over the full 40. The Cardinals also dominated Elizabethtown on the glass, outrebounding the Blue Jays 52-35.

Catholic began the game on a 7-0 run and also held a 17-6 lead but Elizabethtown did well to keep the game close in the early moments. The Blue Jays were within four (22-18) with nine minutes remaining in the opening half before the Cardinals closed the half on a big 27-12 run.

Hafemeister did well to navigate some foul trouble as he picked up his third personal on the first defensive possession of the second half. He did not commit another foul for the duration of the contest, adding six rebounds, two assists and two blocks to his 13 points. Kelly was efficient in his efforts, going 5-for-9 from the floor while also dishing out a game-high six rebounds.

Freshman Googie Seidman scored his first collegiate points in his second appearance when he knocked down a three with six-and-a-half minutes remaining in the contest. Jake Melady also added five off the bench while the pair of Ethan Hinds and Charley Hepting pitched in with four apiece. 

The freshman duo of Andrew Nields and Lucas Cose both made their collegiate debuts in the victory. Cose registered a block.

The 5-1 Cardinals, who are receiving votes in the D3hoops.com weekly poll, will now turn their attention to a date with Landmark Conference newcomers Wilkes on Saturday afternoon. Catholic will remain at home as tip-off is set for 2 p.m.