FREDERICK, Md. – The Catholic men's basketball team opened the season against Lynchburg on Friday night looking to start off the 2025-26 campaign on the right foot. Despite trailing 37-36 at the break, Catholic outscored Lynchburg 46-26 in the final 20 minutes, locking down defensively and converting 20 of 22 free-throw attempts after halftime to come away with a commanding 82-63 victory.
Lynchburg opened the game with confidence, shooting 55% (17-of-31) in the first half and getting balanced contributions from across the lineup. Jamarcus Brown started hot, knocking down a series of mid-range jumpers and blocking two shots on the defensive end. John Henderson provided a lift inside, scoring eight of his 13 points in the opening frame.
Catholic, however, stayed within striking distance thanks to its size and persistence on the glass.
Charley Hepting scored six straight points in the lane midway through the half, and senior guard
Brian Herbert got to the line repeatedly, converting all six of his first-half free throws. Herbert's pull-up jumper in the final seconds cut Lynchburg's lead to 37-36 heading into the locker room.
After halftime, Catholic's defensive adjustments paid off. The Cardinals held Lynchburg to just 25% shooting (7-of-28) in the second half, forcing 12 turnovers and controlling the boards 25–15 over the final 20 minutes.
Herbert continued his dominance, scoring 13 points in the period and finishing the night with 25 points (6-11 FG, 12-13 FT), six rebounds, and three assists.
CJ Ruoff orchestrated the offense with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, attacking the lane and finding teammates in rhythm.
Hepting added 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a key sequence with a dunk and a block that sparked a 10–0 Catholic run midway through the half.
Tim Dunham and
Jamie Ntiamoah combined for 10 rebounds off the bench, giving the Cardinals consistent second-chance opportunities.
By the 10-minute mark, Catholic had seized control with a 59–48 lead, and they never looked back. Their free-throw accuracy — 30-for-37 (81%) on the night — helped them maintain separation down the stretch.
Herbert's 25 points came just one shy of a career-high with six rebounds and three assists. The 12 free throws he made were a career-high. Hepting also matched a career-high in points with the 15 he contributed with four rebounds to go with it.
With the victory the Cardinals will now play Hood tomorrow, November 8. Tip off is set for 3 pm at the Woodsboro Bank Arena for the final game of the Rotary Tip-Off.
