Box Score in HTML Format

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the second time in the last three games, the Christopher Newport women's basketball team doubled up their opponent after five players finished in double figures against Southern Virginia University on Saturday, blowing past the Knights, 106-53. CNU improved to 9-2 overall with a 2-2 mark in conference play as rookie Brooke Basinger had a breakout performance with 16 points. 

For the second time this season, five Captains finished in double figures led by Basinger and sophomore Anitra Thomas, each with 16. Jasmine Bonivel and Zhara Tannor added 12 and 11 points off the bench, while Sam Porter rounded out the top scoring with 11 points for CNU.

Thomas and Basinger keyed a pivotal turn in momentum for the Captains early in the game after CNU fell behind early in the first quarter. The visitors took a 12-5 lead to start the game, powered by multiple turnovers and fast-break opportunities for the Knights. A fast-break layup by Larissa Macfarlane capped the early run with 4:20 left in the first quarter. 

On the next CNU possession, Thomas connected on a three-pointer to slow the SVU spurt, while kicking off an 8-point run to take the lead, 13-12. Porter hit a pair of free-throws and Thomas drilled another trey for the Captains. Momentum was shifting in favor of CNU as Zhara Tannor knocked down a triple followed by fast-break chances from Thomas and Makeda Wright to take a five-point lead after the first period, 21-16. 

The second quarter belonged to Basinger, who helped stretch the Captains lead to 32 by halftime. CNU outscored the Knights 37-10 in the second quarter, led by 11 points from the rookie guard. She knocked down three three-pointers and a pair of free-throws to open up a big lead for the Captains. Fellow freshman Madison Howdyshell added a fast-break jumper and a pair of free-throws in the final three minutes of the half to give the Captains a 32-point lead at the half, 58-26.

Broderick emptied his bench in the second half and all 15 players ended up in the scoring column. Savannah Melvin added a season-high five points on 2-3 shooting, while Madison Bloxom finished with two points and two steals. Bonivel was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor as she helped lead the way offensively with 12 points, adding four rebounds, one assist and one steal. 

Defensively, the Captains picked up 23 steals and forced 37 turnovers.  They allowed just 45 total shots in the game by Southern Virginia, while taking 74. On those 74 attempts, CNU shot an impressive 51.4% from the floor, knocking down 38 total field goals. From long range, CNU was 11-for-28, led by an 8-for-10 effort by Thomas and Basinger. 

CNU will return to action on Wednesday, January 6 as they travel to face Penn State Harrisburg in CAC action. Tip is scheduled for 5:00 pm in Middletown, Pa. as part of a doubleheader with the men's teams.