It wasn't rust that did the Lancaster Bible College men's basketball team in on Saturday after a three week layoff. It was simply a good team. Catholic University used timely shooting and muscle on the boards to defeat the Chargers 71-58 in the first round of the CUA/Residence Inn Greenbelt Classic.

Jason Banzhaf and RJ Dixson each had 16 points to lead the Cardinals, who improved their record to 7-3.

Junior Kevin Keltner and Madison Warfel each had 15 points to pace the Chargers. Senior Carl Edwards chipped in with nine points and five rebounds.

"There wasn't any rust, we just played tenative in the first half and didn't shoot very well," Charger Head Coach Pete Beers said. "We got OK looks in the first half, the shots just didn't drop."

Beers thought the team played better in the second half, but Catholic's ability to hit big shots when it mattered was the difference.

"We got better looks in the second half and shots started to fall, but they are good and when we got momentum, they didn't let us keep it," Beers said.

Beers was also pleased with the team's defensive effort in the second half, but Catholic's dominance on the boards was too much.

"We played better defensively after halftime, but they crushed us on the boards," Beers said. "They had eight more offensive rebounds then we did and that can't happen."

The Chargers (4-4) will take on Fairleigh Dickenson-Florham tomorrow in the Consolation Game. While the second semester hasn't started yet, Beers knows tomorrow's game is key for LBC.

"It's critical tomorrow for us to come out and play hard," Beers said. They are a good team too and if we don't play well, we are going to be in trouble."

The Devils lost to Regis University 70-69 in the first game of tournament.

"Sunday gives us a chance to play well and yield a good result early in the new year," Beers said.

Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.