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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Christopher Newport University men's basketball team overcame a sluggish start to open the season with a 79-66 victory over Arcadia University Saturday night in the Freeman Center. Trailing by eight early in the first half, the Captains rebounded to win their sixth consecutive home opener.

Starting two sophomores and a freshman along with junior, Mike Cherry, and senior Tra Benefield, the Captains' youth showed early as the Knights capitalized off of three CNU turnovers to score eight consecutive points and stake themselves to an early five point advantage. A pair of Evan Thorpe free throws nearly seven minutes into the half momentarily halted Arcadia's scoring before Aaron Lee-Webb and Travis Saltus added additional baskets to increase the lead to eight only eight minutes into the game.

Cherry and his team mates settled themselves and began to attack Arcadia in the paint. A driving layup by Cherry preceded Thorpe's stick back and another driving basket by Cherry cut the Arcadia lead to one in just under three minutes.

The scoring spurt was the beginning of a 24 point night for Cherry who led all scorers. His bucket with two seconds remaining in the first half gave CNU the lead for good after a first half that saw the lead change hands nine times along with five ties. Cherry's big night was aided by a 15 point and 7 rebound performance by Benefield.

The second half of play was highlighted by the newcomers as freshman forward, Tim Daly, collected 13 rebounds in the second half on his way to finishing with 15, while freshman guard, Rayshard Brown, added five points and four assist in the second frame to help spark the Captains.

While CNU leaned on contributions from some of their young players, the second half was not without concern. Arcadia whittled the CNU lead to five with five minutes to play before Benefield collected an errant Cherry three-point attempt and was fould while converting the put back. After Benefield connected on the free throw, the Captains remained in control through the final four minutes.

The win continues an impressive run in the Freeman Center, where under Head Coach, John Krikorian, the Captains are now 40-6. CNU returns to action on Tuesday night when they travel to Randolph-Macon for an 8 p.m. start. CNU won last season's match-up in Newport News when they opened the season with a 77-70 win over the Yellow Jackets. The game will broadcast live on the CNU/Pepsi Radio network and simulcast online at: CNUsports.com/LIVE.