NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Virginia Wesleyan used an 18-5 run at the start of the second half to break open a close game and score a 69-58 win over Christopher Newport in men's basketball at the Freeman Center Tuesday night.

The Marlins led, 24-23, at halftime after scoring six quick points in the last 1:20 of the first half. CNU had led since the 7:44 mark when Josh Russell drilled a three-pointer.

But the fast start to the second half doomed the Captains who were playing their home opener.

Mike Green paced CNU with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Mark Blasingame added 14 points and eight rebounds. Blasingame also had two blocked shots, bringing his career total to 301, a new school career record.

Virginia Wesleyan, which is now 4-0, was led by Stephen Fields with 20 points, while Donald Vaughn added 18 points and Chris Astorga had 12.

CNU plays in its own invitational tournament Friday at the Freeman Center, meeting Maine-Presque Isle at 7:30. Wesley plays Southern Virginia in the opener at 5:00.

The box score