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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The CNU men's basketball team overcame a sluggish offensive performance to defeat York (NY) 65-56 Saturday afternoon to improve to 2-1 on the season.  The game was played at the Anderson Center on the campus of the University of Mary Washington.

A day after the Captains turned the ball over 27 times in an overtime victory over the host, Mary Washington, CNU relied on steady ball handling in the backcourt to overcome a York team that was looking to capitalize on an aggressive style of play. 
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half as each team played on short rest after tough contests the night before.  Conley Taylor sparked the Captains with 12 first half points and was able to breakdown the Cardinals defense off the dribble for three easy layups early.  Taylor's performance keyed CNU to their 30-19 halftime lead.

York spent most of their first half attacking the basket and attempting to score from the charity stripe.  Tony Vails and Omari Phipps each attempted seven free throws.   As a team, York attempted 20 free throws during the first half, only converting on nine of them.  For the game, York went to the line an astounding 47 times, converting on only 24.  In a game where the officials stayed plenty busy, CNU went to line 28 times, shooting 75% from the line and sealing the victory with several key free throws down the stretch.

The Cardinal's aggressive offense forced the Captains into foul trouble as Tra Benefield and Corey Cooper each had three personal fouls before the half.  By the end of the game, three Captains fouled out as Atangana, Cooper and freshman forward, Nik Biberaj all collected five personal fouls apiece.

CNU never truly got into an offensive rhythm as York's physical nature kept the Captains off balance.  York's Tony Vails led the charge for the Cardinals as he finished with 20 points, eight of them coming at the free throw line.  Vails was joined in double figures by Shamir Wilkinson who controlled the paint with 15 points while Mark Evans contributed 13.

Benefield came to life in the second half as all 14 of his points were scored in the second frame.  Benefield's awakening came not a moment too soon.  Taylor struggled to get open looks during the second half as Evans marked him for the majority of the half.  Taylor finished with only 5 second half points to give him a team high, 14 on the game.

CNU returns to action on Monday night as they will play their regular-season opener in the Freeman Center against the University of Mary Washington at 7:30 p.m.  The Captains defeated the Eagles in overtime Friday night, 74-72.