WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2022-23 Catholic University men's basketball team secured its spot in the record books on Wednesday evening, clinching its best-ever start to a season with a comprehensive victory over Elizabethtown.

The Cardinals improved to 21-1 on the season, a mark that betters the previous record of 20-1 during the 2002-03 season.

Balanced contributions all over the board were the story, especially in the first half, when three Cardinals reached double figures. Jesse Hafemeister, Sean Neylon and Tommy Kelly all pitched in 10 points in the opening stanza, helping Catholic bring a 47-34 lead into the break.

Catholic shot the lights out of the ball, connecting on more than half their total field goals, burying 11 threes and shooting a staggering 61.1 percent from beyond the arch.

Jake Timby finished 4-for-5 from three and 6-for-7 overall, leading the scoring in the second half with eight and finishing with 16 total to ensure that four Cardinals scored 14 points or more.

Freshman forward Brian Herbert also had a strong game, filling up the stat-sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one assist. Catholic, as a team, dished out 12 assists and outscored Elizabethtown 44-30 in the painted area.

Rance Russo led the way for Elizabethtown (10-11, 4-7 LC) with a game-high 18 points while Jalin Robison pitched in 13 points and four steals.

With the victory, the Cardinals move closer to securing the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage in the Landmark Conference Tournament, which will commence on Feb. 22. Catholic currently sits at 10-1 in conference play.

Next up for the Cardinals will be Susquehanna. Catholic will look to avenge its lone loss on the season and continue its perfect record on the road as Aaron Kelly's men travel to Selinsgrove on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip.