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MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- Behind a well-balanced offensive attack, which saw four Captains record at least 13 points, the 18th-ranked Christopher Newport men's basketball team opened up USA South action with a commanding 79-62 victory over Maryville on Saturday afternoon.

With the win, CNU bumped its record to 5-0 this season, while the loss dropped Maryville to 2-3. The contest marked the first conference game for both teams.

Mike Cherry and Nik Biberaj both poured in 18 points for the Captains, while Tra Benefield chipped in with a double-double after collecting 13 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman Patrick Fehl also posted 13 points, marking the first double-digit outing of his young career.

At the start, Christopher Newport vaulted out to a tremendous lead as the squad dropped in the first 15 points of the contest, highlighted by five from Benefield. Although the Scots showed resolve and chopped their deficit down to six following a crafty nine-point run, Paul Meredith put an end to the streak with an old-fashioned three-point play for the Captains.

Nearing the midpoint of the first half, Fehl and Benefield drained back-to-back jumpers before Biberaj scored the next six straight for the Captains on the way to a comfy 28-17 advantage. Although Maryville answered with another run during the waning moments of the first half, Biberaj and Fehl answered with two straight buckets before Jon Snead converted a three-point play on the way to a 38-31 lead at halftime.

Following the break, Cherry tacked on four early points before Fehl drained a huge three to give the Captains another double-digit lead at 46-35. After Bryan Stith sank a free throw to keep a 10-point edge at 51-41, the defense took over. Biberaj picked up a steal and block during a suffocating run, which kept the Scot offense scoreless for nearly six minutes during the middle part of the second half.

Looking to add some more breathing room, the CNU attack found its rhythm again as Fehl and Cherry nailed a pair of baskets before D.J. Roberson chimed in with two free throws on the way to a 57-41 edge. Refusing to let the Scots make another run, the Captains were solid on the glass as the squad cleaned up with three offensive rebounds, which led to two huge buckets on the way to a 20-point lead at 65-45.

Although the hosts were able to whittle their deficit down to 12 with just under four minutes remaining in regulation, CNU's lead was never truly in doubt. Benefield drove hard to the rim and dropped in a devastating layup before Biberaj helped ice the game at the line with three late free throws to seal the 79-62 victory.

During the contest, the Captains held the Scots to 32 percent shooting from the field and also picked up seven steals, including two apiece from Biberaj, Meredith, and Evan Thorpe. Thorpe also led the way with three assists, while Cherry and Benefield combined to shoot 13-16 from the free throw line.

Maryville was led by Wes Lambert, who scored 15 points, while Christian Ford added 13. Oscar Butler also pulled down 10 boards for the Scots.

CNU will return to action on Wednesday when the squad heads to St. Mary's for a 7 p.m. showdown.

---CNU---