NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad dropped its USA South opener to Shenandoah, 76-64, Tuesday night at the Freeman Center.

The Captains led for only the fifth time at the half, 28-27, thanks to Davon Barton's bucket just before time expired. CNU was 4-0 heading into this game when leading at the break.

Christopher Newport enjoyed a 10 point, 24-14, lead with 8:12 to go in the opening stanza before Shenandoah battled back and take the lead, 27-26, with 1:13 left, setting up Barton's halftime buzzer-beater.

SU came out and quickly established themselves as they started the half on a 14-2 run to take a 41-30 lead with 14:07 to play. The Captains battled and eventually came back to take the lead, going on a 21-10 run and lead 51-50 with 9:16 left in the game on Barton's jumper.

The Hornets, however, re-took the lead for good less than a minute later. They hit 13 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

For the game, SU was 21-of-63 (33%) from the floor, 6-of-18 (33%) from behind the arc and 28-of-33 (85%) from the free throw line. Jeremiah Lawrence paced the Hornets with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Onyie Onunaku added 16 points and 12 boards. Nick Brown finished with 10.

Christopher Newport was 24-of-56 (43%) from the field, 4-of-18 (22%) from long range and 12-of-17 (71%) from the line. Barton led all scorers with 29 points. He also had six boards and four assists. Thomas Whinnett added 12.

Shenandoah improves to 11-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Captains fall to 4-10 on the year and 0-1 in the USA South. CNU returns to action next Tuesday when they travel to NC Wesleyan with tip set for 7:30 pm.

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