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ASHLAND, Va. -- Christopher Newport shot over 65% and held the Shenandoah Hornets (0-2) to just four made baskets in the second half as they cruised to an 89-58 victory on day two of the R-MC Tip-Off Classic. Senior Nicole Mitchell and freshman Taylor Delgado finished in double figures as No. 3 CNU improved to 1-1 overall this season.

The former conference rivals were separated by just eight points at halftime, 38-30, as the Hornets shot 50% from the field. Imani Heggins did all she could for Shenandoah, knocking down 7-of-10 shots for 16 first-half points. She added five rebounds and two steals, but CNU leaned on a balanced attack to earn the eight-point edge at the break. Mitchell poured in ten points with four rebounds, while four other players scored at least four points in the first 20 minutes. 

CNU was stellar from the free-throw line in the opening stanza, dropping in 11-of-12 shots with the clock stopped. The free-throws were key as the Captains were just 35.1% from the field. 

In the second half, though, things changed quickly for the Captains offense. Less than three minutes into the second half, Christopher Newport had turned an eight-point edge into a 20-point gap, 51-31, running away from the Hornets. Mitchell scored four of the first 13 points to extend the lead, while Jordan Miller hit a three-pointer on an assist by Kendra Stone.

With a large lead in hand, the Captains would hold off Shenandoah with ease, not seeing the lead dip below 20 after the 12 minute mark. CNU got 47 points off the bench in the game, including 36 in the second half as head coach Bill Broderick cleared the bench and got 15 different players into the game. Delgado led the charge off the bench, going 5-of-6 from the field with a 3-for-5 performance at the free-throw line for 14 total points. All 15 players scored at least one point in the game.

Mitchell finished with a team-high 16 points and was named to the All-Tournament Team along with fellow senior Tia Perry. Perry finished the game with eight points, four rebounds, four steals and one assist. Andrea Hobbs had a game-high five assists, while adding eight points.

Heggins finished with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. She added three steals for Shenandoah in the setback. CNU shot 65.5% from the floor in the second half (19-29), improving the shot percentage to 48.5% for the game (32-66). 

The Captains travel to N.C. Wesleyan College on Wednesday, November 20 for their next game on the road. The Battling Bishops were one of just three teams to beat the Captains in 2012-13, squeaking out a 69-68 win at home over CNU. This year, the two teams will be matching up for the first time as non-conference foes, with tip-off set for 6:00 pm.