WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 29, 2017) – The Vassar men's basketball team fell to the hosts of the Holiday Inn College Park Classic, The Catholic University of America, 78-65 in the opening round on Friday night.

The Brewers notched double figures in scoring as Jesse Browne led the offense with 16 total points and four assists. Paul Grinde chipped in 13 points and six rebounds, while Zach Bromfeld had 10 points and a team-high eight boards.

Vassar got off to a quick start, opening a 4-0 lead early into the game. And five minutes into the action, a Grinde jumper pushed the Brewer lead to five. The contest was back and forth for most of the first half as both the Brewers and Cardinals traded baskets. But a late three by Ross Gerber put the home side on top 38-34 at the break.

In the second half, Catholic had momentum on their side. The Cardinals quickly added to their lead, building it to 13 just six minutes into the second frame thanks to another Gerber jumper. Vassar cut the lead to single digits twice, but couldn't close the deal as the Cardinals continued to score.

Freshman B.J. White saw his first action as a Brewer, logging 17 minutes, four points, three rebounds, and two assists. Classmate Lance Tebay came off the bench and added three points and three rebounds to the Vassar cause.

The team will be back on the courts for the final game of the tournament on Saturday to face the loser of the Marymount vs. Ursinus matchup with a game time to be determined.

-VASSAR-