FREDERICK, Md. -- The University of Lynchburg men's basketball team opened its 2024-25 campaign Friday night, falling 82-61 to No. 23 Catholic in the first round of the Hood College Tournament.

The Hornets (0-1) spread the scoring load in the season debut, with four players reaching double figures. John Henderson and Jayson Easton led the effort with 13 points apiece off the bench, while Jamarcus Brown and Michael Gray each added 10. Jake Hart orchestrated the Lynchburg offense with five assists and chipped in two steals on the defensive end.

Lynchburg came out strong, battling toe-to-toe with the nationally ranked Cardinals (1-0) throughout the first half. The Hornets surged ahead midway through the frame and carried a 37-36 advantage into the break.

Catholic, however, flipped the script in the second half. The Cardinals outscored Lynchburg 46-26 over the final 20 minutes, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and frequent trips to the free-throw line. With the contest tied at 49-all with 12:30 remaining, Catholic strung together an 11-0 run in four minuets that shifted the momentum for good.

After a strong offensive start — shooting 17-for-31 (54.8%) from the floor and 3-for-8 (37.5%) from deep in the first half — Lynchburg shot just 7-for-28 (25%) and 1-for-13 (7.7%) from three in the second half.

Brown sparked the Hornets early with eight of his 10 points and two blocks in the opening 14 minutes, but foul trouble hampered the sophomore forward and several teammates down the stretch. Four Lynchburg players finished with four or more fouls, limiting rotation and rhythm, while also allowing Catholic to extend its lead with trips to the line.

Catholic's advantages on the glass and at the stripe proved decisive. The Cardinals won the rebounding battle 43-30, including 12 offensive boards, and attempted 37 free throws compared to 17 for the Hornets.

Lynchburg will look to bounce back on Saturday in the tournament's consolation matchup against Notre Dame of Maryland (0-1).

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--LYN--