NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad came from 17 points down in the first half to knock off Averett, 88-83, Saturday afternoon in a USA South contest.
CNU got behind quick early, as the Cougars came out of the gate hot. AU scored 13 of the game's first 19 points to lead by six. They would quickly extend their lead to as many as 17 several times, with the final time coming with 8:17 left when they led 32-15.
The Captains hit a stride and cut into the lead big time. CNU went on a 20-5 run to cut the lead to two, 37-35, with 2:48 left in the half. Averett rebounded to extend its lead to nine with 36 seconds left before Mike Green's lay-up with six seconds left cut the deficit to seven, 44-37, at the break.
In the second half, CNU tied the score at 56 with 14:38 left and it took its first lead of the game with 14:22 remaining when Theo Baker made one of two free throws. From there, Christopher Newport went on a 10-4 run to take a seven point lead with 10:14 left to go.
The Cougars battled back as they went on a 19-7 spurt of their own to retake the lead by five, 79-74, with 4:12 to go. CNU scored eight of the next 10 points to regain the lead, 82-81, with 2:26 remaining in the game.
Davon Barton's jumper in the lane with 1:24 to play put the Captains ahead by three. Mark Blasingame made two free throws, making it a two possession game, sealing the win for CNU.
The Cougars finished 33-of-70 (47%) from the field, 11-of-29 (38%) on three-point attempts and 6-of-14 (43%) from the charity stripe. Jonathon Rumley led the way for Averett with 19 points and eight rebounds and Ryan Frazier also finished with 19. Justin Parker finished with 13 and Damien Brown added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Christopher Newport finished 30-of-62 (48%) from the floor, 6-of-20 (30%) from long range and 22-of-33 (67%) from the free throw line. Davon Barton led the Captains with a season-high 26 points. Mike Green added 19 points and seven rebounds, and Mark Blasingame had 12 points and eight rebounds to go along with five blocks. Thomas Whinnett finished with 12 and Theo Baker totaled 10.
AU falls to 9-8 overall and 2-2 in USA South. CNU improves to 10-6 on the year and 3-0 in conference action. The Captains return to action Sunday as they host Ferrum with tip-off set for 4 pm.
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