NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad came off its eight-day break for final exams to defeat Eastern Mennonite, 82-71, Saturday night at the Freeman Center.
With the score tied 11-all with 15:15 to go play in the first, the Captains went on a 17-5 run over the course of six minutes to lead by 12, 28-16. Christopher Newport would take a 13-point lead (41-28) with them into the locker room at halftime.
CNU came out and hit 45% of its shots from the field while holding the Royals to just 36% shooting.
In the second half, the Captains came out firing and quickly extended its lead to its largest of the night, 22 points, on a
Theo Baker 3-pointer to give Christopher Newport a 54-32 lead.
EMU would eventually trim the lead to nine with 7:43 to play, but CNU responded by scoring five straight to extend its lead to 14, 70-56, with 5:16 to play.
The Royals were able to come as close as eight points, twice, both with less than two minutes to play.
Eastern Mennonite finished the game 22-of-57 (39%) from the field, 6-of-19 (32%) from behind the arc and 21-of-31 (68%) from the free throw line.
D.J. Hinson led the Royals with 20 points. George Johnson added 15, Todd Phillips had 13 and Orie Pancione had 11 and seven rebounds.
Christopher Newport finished 31-of-67 (46%) from the floor, 5-of-18 (28%) from long range and 15-of-23 (65%) from the charity stripe.
Michael Green led CNU with 20 points.
Davon Barton added 12 points and nine assists.
Thomas Whinnett (12 points and 15 rebounds) and
Mark Blasingame (12 points and 13 rebounds) both finished with double-doubles. Baker had 11 and Josh Russell finished with 13 off the bench for the Captains.
The Royals fall to 6-3 while Christopher Newport is now 3-3. CNU returns to action next Saturday as they host Lynchburg at 7:30 pm.
