NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad let a six point halftime lead slip away as Roanoke College came back to defeat CNU, 90-81, on day one of the CNU Invitational.
The Captains quickly extended their lead to nine, 64-55, just five minutes into the second half on two Michael Green free throws. The Maroons would not go away as they battled for numerous offensive rebounds that paved the way to 15 second chance points for the game, 13 of which came in the second half.
Roanoke regained the lead with 4:49 left in the contest on Melvin Felix's lay-up. On the ensuing possession, Brian Hermann was fouled and made both free throws, putting CNU back on top by one, 79-78. Aaron Tyson see-sawed the Maroons back in front by one and
Davon Barton's driving lay-up with 3:54 left in the game put Christopher Newport back on top by one, 81-80. However, it would be the final points the Captains would score.
The Maroons took control, scoring the game's final 10 points for the win.
RC shot 35-of-70 (50%) from the field, 8-of-19 (42%) from behind the arc and 12-of-19 (63%) from the line. Curtis Peery, who scored Roanoke's first 12 points of the game, finished with 23. Corey Poindexter added 13 and Felix finished with 11.
The Captains were 31-of-58 (53%) from the floor, 7-of-13 (54%) from long range and 12-of-17 (71%) from the charity stripe.
Theo Baker and Green both paced CNU with 19 points.
Mark Blasingame finished with his first double-double, scoring 10 and pulling down 10 rebounds. Josh Russell finished with 11 points off the bench.
Roanoke, who is now 4-1, will play in the championship game Saturday at 7:30 against Wesley, who defeated Otterbein. CNU is now 1-2 and will take on Otterbein at 5 pm Saturday in the third place game of the CNU Invitational.
