The Gophers, who started the day in a tie for second place in the Capital Athletic Conference with Mary Washington, led 37-36 at the half. They were 15-for-33 from the field (.455) in the opening 20 minutes of play.
The lead changed hands seven times in the second half before the Cardinals (14-7, 7-4 CAC) went ahead to stay on a pair of free throws by Patrick Dwyer with 15:00 left to play. During the second half, Catholic was 22-of-30 from the charity stripe.
The Cardinals built up as much as a 10-point lead, enough to withstand a comeback bid by the Gophers (16-7, 7-5 CAC) over the final 3:31 that included three-point baskets by James Russo and Jermaine Saunders, a three-point play by Saunders and three free throws by Tony Posteraro.
The Gophers got to within three points twice in the closing seconds, first when Posteraro made his three free throws with :18 showing on the clock and again on the three-pointer by Saunders with :08 remaining. Scott Fumai nailed four free throws for Catholic over the final :14.
Goucher's Garrett Smith led all scorers as he produced 20 points before fouling out of the contest. Saunders and Russo supplied the Gophers with 17 and 12 points, respectively.
All five Catholic starters scored in double figures.
The loss dropped Goucher to fourth place in the CAC, three games behind York.