WASHINGTON, D.C.   — The 18th-ranked Catholic men's basketball team hosted Wilkes on Saturday afternoon in Landmark play, looking to extend its win streak to six games. CJ Ruoff led the Cardinals' explosive offense to secure the 91-79 victory over the Colonels.

Charley Hepting opened up today's matchup for the Cardinals with an assisted jumper. A little back-and-forth action gave Catholic its first and only tied score at 7-7 with 14:28 left to play. Hepting once again gave Catholic a significant lead with a layup, bringing the score to 20-9 halfway through the first half. Some late foul action brought Brian Herbert to the line three times in the final two minutes of the first half, making all three.

With 20 seconds left on the clock in the first, CJ Ruoff sank a jumper to give Catholic its largest lead of the first half with a score of 45-31. The Colonels cut the Cardinal lead by one with a made foul shot from Antonio Brittain with seconds left on the clock. The Landmark conference opponents went into their locker rooms with Catholic on top, 45-32.

Ruoff visited the foul line to start off the second, making good on both attempts. The Colonels worked to fight back from their first half deficit, outsourcing the Cardinals 13-11 in the first five minutes of play. Ryan Pegg and Matthew Gorman answered with a layup and three-pointer, respectively. The Colonels outscored the Cardinals 47-46 in the second half, but it was not enough to come back from their first half deficit. 

Catholic visited the free throw line 15 times in the second half and made good on 14 attempts, achieving a 93.33 percentage for the half. 

Despite the Colonels' second half attempt, the Cardinals were able to secure a 91 to 79 victory.

CJ Ruoff totaled 26 points, his fifth game this season where he has eclipsed 20 points. The senior had himself a day at the foul line, collecting on seven of eight attempts. 

Michael Dankert made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, collecting three rebounds and scoring four points. The freshman also went two-for-two at the free throw line in the second half.

Ryan Pegg captured an impressive nine rebounds in today's matchup, seven of which were on defense. Brian Herbert, a playmaker for the Cardinals, earned himself six assists and put up 17 points himself. 

With today's win, the Cardinals remain undefeated when facing the Colonels in their seven matchups. Catholic also continues its unbeaten record in Landmark play this season. 

Up next, the Cardinals will travel down to Puerto Rico to participate in the Puerto Rico Clasico. First, the Cardinals will take on the University of Chicago at Roger Mendoza Coliseum Caguas, Puerto Rico on Friday, December 19th at 12 p.m.