OWINGS MILLS, MD. - For the second consecutive game to open the 2016-17 men's basketball season, the Christopher Newport defense showed its prowess Friday night, holding Wisconsin-Stevens Point to 36 percent shooting in a 71-51 triumph. The victory came in the Hoopsville National Invitational Classic on the campus of Stevenson University.

The Captains, 2-0 and ranked second in the nation, led by as many as 13 in the opening half before the Pointers cut the lead to eight at the half on a half-court shot at the buzzer, 32-24. The second stanza featured a 29-14 run by the Captains that pushed the lead to as high as 26 (69-43). 

"We struggled a bit early on but I think we got it going in the second half," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "We shot 50 percent for the game and our defense was solid. It's a good win over a very respected program."

Junior Aaron McFarland led the way, scoring 17 points with nine coming on three three-point field goals. Senior Tim Daly posted 14 points and also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. CNU out-rebounded UWSP for the night, 36-28.

Christopher Newport was able to establish the lead in the opening half despite junior All-American Marcus Carter picking up two early fouls. Carter saw limited playing time in the first half, and scored all seven of his points in the second half. 

Coach Krikorian was able to clear the bench for the second straight game to start the season, with all 16 players dressed seeing time. 13 different Captains got into the scoring column. CNU defeated Randolph-Macon, 70-47, Tuesday night in the season opener.

The Pointers, now 0-2, held an early 7-2 lead before the Captains surged ahead, 11-10, and never looked back. It was the first meeting ever of the two schools.

The Captains face another tough early-season test Saturday night in the fifth-annual classic, taking on 17th-ranked Marietta (OH). Tipoff time is set for 8:00 p.m. at Owings Mills Gymnasium. The Pioneers are also 2-0 to start the season and defeated Albright Friday, 74-56. 

The game Saturday, and all CNU action home and away, will be broadcast on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM) with the pre-game show beginning at 7:40 p.m.

The victory for Krikorian was his 199th career win as a head coach. He is now 199-81 all-time, and 134-39 in his seven seasons at CNU.