NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad opened the 2008-2009 season with an 86-70 win over Southern Virginia Saturday night.

 

The Knights led early, by as many as five, 14-9, with 15:09 to play in the opening half. The Captains responded by going on an 11-0 run to take the lead 20-14 with 11:07 to play in the first.

 

CNU would lead by six at the half, 45-39.

 

In the second stanza, Southern Virginia started the half on a 14-7 run to lead by one, 53-52 with 14:03 to go. The Captains then outscored the Knights, 19-8, to take a 10-point lead, 71-61, with 7:37 to go on Davon Barton's lay-up.

 

Christopher Newport's largest lead would be the final margin.

 

The Knights finished 27-of-68 (40%) from the field, 7-of-21 (33%) from behind the arc and 9-of-14 (64%) from the free throw line. The Captains were 33-of-58 (57%) from the floor, 9-of-26 (35%) from long range and 11-of-17 (65%) from the stripe.

 

Bryce Pendleton paced Southern Virginia with 20 points. J.J. Holt added 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Cory Evans added 11 points and six boards.

 

Michael Green led the Captains with 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting. He also had nine rebounds. Davon Barton added 11 points and five assists off the bench. Thomas Whinnett and Theo Baker both finished with 10. Mark Blasingame had nine points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

 

Southern Virginia falls to 2-3 on the year. CNU is 1-0. The Captains return to action Tuesday when they head for cross-water rival VA Wesleyan. Tip-off is set for 8 pm.