Box Score in HTML Format  |  Box Score in PDF Format

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Rookie Tra Benefield posted his first career double-double as the Captains built a 25-point lead and held on to win over the Bridgewater Eagles in the CNU Point Plaza Invitational tonight, 87-73. CNU improves to 3-1 on the season while the Eagles drop to 1-4 overall.

Benefield had nine points and eight rebounds in a big second half to earn his first career double-double in a winning effort.

CNU jumped out to a 43-26 lead at the break, led by Benefield and junior leading scorer Conley Taylor with 11 points each. Matt Preston added seven boards in the first half, helping CNU to a 24-19 edge in boards through the first 20 minutes.

In the second half, the Captains would increase their lead to a game-high 25 points with 15:50 remaining, on a put-back from senior Mike Green, and then again on the next possession with a pair of free-throws from Green. Bridgewater would start to claw back, though, going on a 19-4 run over the next 5:36 in the game to cut the lead back to single digits at 60-52.

The Eagles would get as close as six points, at 71-65 with 3:35 remaining, but the Captains would close on a 16-8 run for the final tally. Taylor finished with a game-high 26 points on 7-of-11 shooting, adding 11 free-throws on 14 attempts. He also added five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Benefield's double-double was the first of his career, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, coming on 8-of-16 shooting. Green added 15 points with seven rebounds for the Captains.

Bridgewater was led by three players in double figures, getting 17 from Ronnie Thomas, 14 from Rick Maloney and 13 from Kyle Hammond.

CNU held a 47-30 advantage on the glass for the game, including 14 offensive boards.

Bridgewater will play York College (NY) in the consolation game tomorrow night at 5:30, while the Captains will advance to play in the CNU Point Plaza Invitational Championship Game against Wesley College at 7:30 pm.