NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad defeated Methodist Friday night, 74-66, and with a win Sunday, the Captains can capture the top seed in next week's USA South Tournament.

The first half see-sawed back and forth for the first 12 minutes before CNU went on an 8-0 run to lead 25-17 with 6:54 left. The Monarchs responded with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to one with 4:54 remaining in the half. CNU out-scored MU 8-3 over the final four minutes to take a 33-27 lead into the break.

In the second stanza, the Captains quickly extended their lead to 14, 43-29, with 15:45 left on Michael Green's lay-up. A 20-8 Monarch run cut Christopher Newport's lead to two, 51-49, with 8:26 left in the game.

CNU would hang tough and answer any attempt Methodist had to cut into the lead further. The Captains hit eight of their final free throws to seal the deal. Travis Fulp hit a three-pointer at the buzzer for Methodist that provided the final margin.

MU finished 23-of-59 (39%) from the field, 7-of-20 (35%) from behind the arc and 13-of-15 (87%) from the free throw line. Tyler Sigman led the Monarchs with 24 points. A.B. Lehman finished with 20 points and eight assists.

Christopher Newport was 29-of-60 (48%) from the floor, 5-of-15 (33%) from long range and 11-of-16 (69%) from the charity stripe. Davon Barton led CNU with 19 points and 10 assists. Mike Green had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Brian Hermann had 14 off the bench.

Methodist falls to 9-15 overall and 4-7 in the USA South. The Captains are now 16-8 overall and 9-2 in conference action. CNU concludes the regular season Sunday when they host Greensboro at 6 pm.

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