NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Christopher Newport men's basketball team clawed their way back from a 13-point deficit in the second half to claim their first Capital Athletic Conference win Wednesday night over Southern Virginia, 89-79. In a game that featured physical play on both ends of the floor, the Captains found their way to the free throw line 42 times in the second half to take control of the game and close out the win.
 
"I am proud of this team," said Head Coach John Krikorian. "These guys battled all game and were able to grind out a win."
 
Southern Virginia's Wesley Evans buried a three-point shot with 15:30 to play to give the Knights a 60-47 edge, their largest of the game. However, the Captains relentlessly broke down the SVU zone defense and created opportunities in the paint.
 
Sophomore forward Tim Daly and freshman Marcus Carter continued their hot start to the season, but it was during the second half where they won the war of attrition. Daly went to the free throw line 15 times in a second half that saw him score 15 of his 25 points and collect nine of his 11 rebounds. Carter added to the deluge of free throws with a 13-17 performance from the line in the second half while scoreing 18 of his 20 points from the charity stripe.
 
"They wouldn't let us shoot threes tonight," said Krikorian. "We had to attack the basket all night and this team did a tremendous job of not backing down, and continuing to attack the basket."
 
The first half that saw both teams trade opportunistic baskets and free throw attempts. In a preview of what would come in the second half, the two teams combined for 30 personal fouls in the first half.
 
As the game wore on, the Captains depth and relentless attack wore down the Knights.  Four Southern Virginia players fouled out and two more ended the game with 4 personal fouls. The persistent whistles resulted in a school record, 65 free throw attempts, besting the previous mark set in 1985 when CNU shot 55 against UNC-Greensboro.
 
Despite the slow pace of play, CNU slowly whittled away at the Knights lead until Justin Hampton was left for a wide open and buried a three point shot and gave his team a 75-73 lead with 5:23 to play. The Captains would not trail the remainder of the game.
 
Hampton was just one of several players off the bench that made significant contributions for Krikorian. Sophomore Rayshard Brown collected 7 points and added a physical defensive presence on the perimeter while freshman Brendon Burrows accumulated 7 points and 6 rebounds. The CNU bench contributed 24 points in total.
 
The win improves CNU to 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in Capital Athletic Conference play. The Captains will continue league play on Saturday as they travel to Frostburg State, 4-2 on the year and coming off of a 72-69 win at Mary Washington on Wednesday night. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Xtra 99.1 FM and the CNU/Pepsi radio network.