BUENA VISTA, Va.- Christopher Newport struggled Wednesday night, shooting just 31 percent from the field, as the Captains were upset by Southern Virginia University in overtime, 60-59. The win at Knights Sports Arena was the first in Capital Athletic Conference play this season for the Knights.
CNU opened a 20-12 lead in the first half before Southern Virginia battled from behind to take a 23-22 lead at the half. The Knights then surged to a 46-33 lead in the second half before the Captains began their comeback. CNU finally re-claimed the lead on a
Marcus Carter scoring drive with 1:17 to play, 54-53. Carter, a freshman from Williamsburg, led the Captains with 16 points for the night.
Southern Virginia then regained the lead, 55-54, as the game went to the wire. Senior
Mike Cherry, who finished the night with 11 points, was fouled on a put-back atttempt following a missed three-pointer with three seconds remaining. CNU's lone senior went to the line and made one of two shots to tie the game and force overtime.
The teams continued their back-and-forth battle through the five-minute extra period. Sophomore
Kevin Regimbal opened the scoring by draining a three-pointer, but the Knights bounced back thanks to two baskets from junior Kyle Dragnich, and Southern Virginia held a 59-58 lead. CNU freshman
Logan Miller made one of two foul shots to tie the game at 59-59, with the Knights holding the ball for the final possession of overtime. Junior David Baety, who led SVU with 20 points, drove in the final seconds and was fouled by Regimbal with three seconds left. Baety went to the line and broke the tie by making one of two free throws to give the Knights the winning margin, 60-59. The Captains' inbounds pass toward midcourt was knocked down as time elapsed.
CNU falls to 13-5 overall and 8-3 in CAC action. The Captains are now tied with Marymount for second place behind St. Mary's in the conference standings. SVU is now 3-14 overall and 1-10 in league play.
It was the third time this season the Captains have gone to overtime, and CNU is now 1-2 in overtime games. The Captains made just 17 of 55 shots for the night, and were just four of 29 from three-point range. CNU also made just 21 of 34 at the foul stripe.
It was the first win ever for Southern Virginia over CNU in 11 all-time meetings.
Christopher Newport returns to the court on Saturday. The Captains travel to Pennsylvania to take on the Spartans of York College. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.
