NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's men's basketball squad captured the top seed in next week's USA South Tournament with an 85-82 win over Greensboro.

With the win, CNU tied with Averett for the regular season championship, but by virtue of the Captains sweep of Ferrum and Averett's split. Christopher Newport gains the top seed.

The Captains fell behind early, trailing 15-10 with 13:21 left in the first half. CNU responded by scoring eight straight to take a three point lead with 12:38 left. The first half see-sawed back and forth as the half saw nine lead changes and six ties in the first 13 minutes.

GC's largest lead was eight, twice, once with 2:26 left and the final time came at the break, 44-36.

CNU started the second half on fire, as Mike Green scored seven straight to open the half and Theo Baker's three-pointer capped a 10-0 run to give the Captains a 46-44 advantage with 18:35 left.

With the score tied 59-59 with 12:51 left, the Pride went on a 10-2 run to take an eight point lead at the mid way mark. CNU whittled the lead down to one with 8:27 left and tied the score at 76-all with seven minutes remaining.

Thomas Whinnett's bucket with 5:29 on the clock put the Captains ahead by two, but tied the score for a 14^th time with 3:30 to go. Two Michael Mitchell free throws put GC back ahead by two and Michael Green responded with a lay-up and was fouled. He connected on the free throw to put CNU back on top by one.

Anthony Simmons see-sawed the Pride back on top by one, but Baker's bucket from  the free throw line put CNU ahead to stay with 1:03 on the clock. Baker was fouled after a GC turnover and made both free throws for the final margin. Simmons' desperation three-pointer at the buzzer was no good.

Greensboro finished the game 31-of-67 (46%) from the field, 9-of-25 (36%) from long range and 11-of-16 (69%) from the free throw line. Simmons led the way with 19 points and six rebounds. Mitchell finished with 16 points and seven boards and Adam Powell added 15.

Christopher Newport was 31-of-59 (53%) from the floor, 4-of-13 (31%) from behind the arc and 19-of-29 (66%) from the charity stripe. Mark Blasingame led all scorers with 21 points to go along with eight rebounds and four blocks. Green finished with 17 off the bench, Baker and Whinnett both totaled 16 and Brian Hermann had 10. Davon Barton finished with a game-high 12 assists.

The Pride finish the regular season 9-15 overall and 3-9 in conference play. CNU is now 17-8 overall and 10-2 in USA South action.

The Captains will host the winner of the No. 4 Shenandoah/No. 5 NC Wesleyan quarterfinal contest on Friday at 8 pm in the semifinals of the USA South Tournament.