Strong start sends Cardinals into national rankings at No. 14

WASHINGTON – After beginning the season with two consecutive wins over nationally ranked opponents at the Hoopsville National Invitational Classic, CUA moved into the top-25 rankings on Monday, debuting at No. 14 in the D3Hoops.com poll.  The Cardinals are currently 3-0 on the season following a 74-68 win at Haverford on Monday evening.

CUA opened the season with an impressive 67-41 win over No. 16 Transylvania on November 16, behind 23 points from Shawn Holmes and a 53% shooting performance as a team.

One day later, the Cardinals were at it again, this time taking down No. 19 St. Mary’s 65-52 with Chris Kearney posting a double-double to lead the way (19 points, 12 rebounds). 

Kearney finished the two-day stretch averaging 18.5 points on 58% shooting, to go along with averages of 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, earning a spot on the D3Hoops.com Team of the Week for his efforts.

CUA made the largest leap of any team in the nation this week, jumping from outside the poll all the way up to No. 14.  It marks the first time the Cardinals have been ranked in the top-25 since joining the Landmark Conference; CUA has received votes in previous polls while in the Landmark.

To view the entire poll, click here.  CUA’s first two opponents are still garnering plenty of attention nationally, with St. Mary’s checking in at No. 25 and Transylvania sitting just outside the poll as the top team in the others receiving votes category.

No. 14 CUA is back in action on Wednesday, November 28 when the Cardinals play host to Frostburg State in their home opener.  Tip time is set for 7:30 p.m. in the second game of a CUA doubleheader with the undefeated women’s team hosting Salisbury at 5:30 earlier that evening.