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ROCKY MOUNT, NC- The Captains of Christopher Newport jumped to an early lead and dominated the Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan Saturday. Sophomore Tra Benefield scored a career-high 34 points leading CNU to an 84-56 win at Everett Gymnasium.

"This was what we've been looking for...a 40-minute performance," Head Coach John Krikorian said following the dominant performance. "We really put it together today."

CNU jumped to a 32-10 lead in the first half and led at the break, 48-30. The Captains then out-scored the Bishops, 36-26, in the second half. CNU's biggest lead was 30 points in the second half at 77-47.

North Carolina Wesleyan was the pre-season pick to win the USA South in the conference's coaches poll.

"They are a good team, and it was a combination of things today," Krikorian continued. "We played really well and they just never got going. It's a game we can enjoy and get ready for some home games this week at the Freeman Center."

Benefield, who posted a double-double Wednesday night with 18 points and 12 rebounds at Methodist, scored 17 points in the first half and 17 more in the second half. He also pulled down 8 rebounds Saturday and was 13 of 21 from the field.

Senior Conley Taylor added 13 points, while junior Jon Snead and freshman Nik Biberaj scored 10 each.

The win for the Captains was their 6th straight and seventh in eight games. CNU improved to 10-3 overall and 2-0 atop the USA South.

CNU's defense held the Bishops to just 36 percent shooting for the day, and the Bishops were just 1 for 12 from three-point range.

The Captains made 7 of 20 three-pointers and out-rebounded the Bishops, 46-36.

The Bishops have now lost four in a row and five of six. N.C. Wesleyan is now 6-7 overall and 0-1 in the USA South.

Christopher Newport returns to action on Wednesday night at the Freeman Center vs. Methodist. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on the CNU/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM) as well as on Captains Sports Live at www.CNUsports.com