The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team dropped a tough 60-59 decision at 17th ranked Catholic University in both teams' season opener on Wednesday night in Washington, D.C. 

The Eagles jumped out to an early lead behind the hot hand of guard Matias Prock (17 points). UMW maintained the lead for much of the first half, before the Cardinals charged ahead just before halftime.

In the second, the Eagles trailed by double digits before making a late run that put them ahead, 59-58, on a pair of free throws from Greg Rowson with nine seconds left. But Catholic regained the lead in the final seconds on an offensive rebound putback with three seconds left for the winning margin.

Prock led the Eagles with 17 points on 6-10 shooting, including 4-7 from three-point range. Rowson had 11 points and Zack Blue 10 for UMW. Rowson and Daniel Peterson each had six rebounds.

The Eagles will return to action on Saturday, when they host North Carolina Wesleyan College at 4:30 p.m. in the home opener.