ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. - The Gallaudet University men's basketball team tipped off its 2021-22 season here Saturday afternoon in the Battle of D.C. & Maryland tournament hosted by St. Mary's College of Maryland. The Bison hung tough with the Catholic University of America but came up short in the end, 68-60. 

This was Gallaudet's first men's basketball game since Feb. 22, 2020, a span of 631 days since the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020-21 season.

Bison sophomore guard Rory Lewis (Frederick, Md.) netted a team best 19 points to go with five rebounds and two steals. Lewis made 3 of 7 shots from 3-point range. Freshman forward Brandon Chung (Kahului, Hawaii) added 14 points and five rebounds while junior guard Corey Smith (Miami, Fla.) was the third Bison in double figures with 12 points and seven rebounds. Freshman guard Shannon Cotto (Lakewood, Ohio) added eight points along with three rebounds, three steals, and three assists. 

Catholic led 33-30 at the half. 

The Cardinals were led by guard Tommy Kelly's 23 points and four steals. Catholic goes on to face St. Mary's tomorrow on the second day of the Battle of D.C. & Maryland tournament. The Bison were slated to play a game on Sunday but that got wiped out after Hood College pulled out the tournament on Friday due to health and safety protocols.

BISON TRACKS: 

• The Bison scored 16 points off 15 turnovers
• Sophomore forward Lance Wood (Fishers, Ind.) added four points 
• Both teams received 17 points from their bench
• Gallaudet scored 30 points in the paint
• Lewis was named to the all-tournament team

UP NEXT: 
Gallaudet will host its first home game of the season on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. against Stevenson University (2-1).