NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport’s men’s basketball team advanced to the USA South Championship with a 75-64 win over Shenandoah Friday night in a USA South semifinal.
A back and forth first half led to a one-point CNU lead at the break, 29-28. The first half saw seven ties and neither team led by more than four points. SU was up 23-20 with four minutes left in the first half but CNU scored seven straight to lead by four. Shenandoah however closed the half by scoring five of the half’s final seven points.
The Hornets came out of the locker room and went on a 9-0 run to take an eight point lead just two minutes in.
Trailing 39-31, The Captains scored nine straight to take a one point lead with 14:09 left. For the next eight minutes, neither team led by more than four points. Trailing 54-53, CNU went on a 12-5 run to lead by seven.
Christopher Newport hit its free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Shenandoah finished the game 24-of-75 (32%) from the field, 6-of-30 (20%) from behind the arc and 10-of-13 (77%) from the free throw line. Kevin Kline led SU with 20 points and eight rebounds. Kenny Robertson finished with 15 points, eight boards and five assists while Stevie Johns added 10.
CNU was 27-of-57 (47%) from the floor, 3-of-15 (20%) from long range and 18-of-26 (69%) from the charity stripe. Michael Green led the Captains with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Mark Blasingame added 16 points, nine boards and six blocks, Davon Barton had 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and Thomas Whinnett contributed 10 points.
Shenandoah finishes the year 10-17 overall. Christopher Newport is now 18-8 and will meet Averett in the USA South title game Saturday at 2 pm.
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