NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport's defense again showed its prowess Saturday, as the third-ranked Captains surged to a 75-47 triumph over Penn State-Harrisburg at the Freeman Center. CNU held the Lions to just 27 percent shooting for the day, and raced to the 28-point win despite leading by only eight at the half.

"This is a game we were very concerned about," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "Penn State-Harrisburg is a talented team and creates some matchup problems for us. I was really happy with our effort, and a lot of people contributed today to get this win. Certainly our defense stepped up and made it much easier."

CNU's defense is second in the nation in points allowed per game and also second in field goal percentage defense.

The Captains and Lions were tied at 16-16 before CNU went on a 17-9 run to lead at the half, 33-25. The second half was dominated by the Captains, who held Penn State-Harrisburg to just 18.5 percent shooting (five of 27) in the second stanza. The Lions finished the game 16 of 59 from the field.

CNU ended up out-scoring Penn State-Harrisburg, 42-22, in the second half.

Christopher Newport improved to 17-2 overall and 11-1 atop the Capital Athletic Conference. The victory was CNU's 11th straight since returning from holiday break, and the Captains have now won their last 22 home games dating back to December of 2015.

All three Captains scoring in double figures Saturday came off the bench. Junior Aaron McFarland led the way with 15 points followed by freshmen Luther Gibbs (12) and Cutch Ellis (10). Fellow freshman Savone Chappell also came off the bench to register nine points, and junior Marcus Carter recorded eight points and eight rebounds. Senior Kevin Regimbal also wound up with eight points, while senior big man Tim Daly led the rebounding category with 11.

CNU out-rebounded the Lions, 62-37, as Penn State-Harrisburg fell to 8-11 overall and 5-7 in the Capital Athletic Conference. The Captains remain a game ahead of Salisbury in the CAC standings. The Sea Gulls held on to beat Mary Washington, 67-63, on Saturday to improve to 10-2 in CAC play.

Christopher Newport hits the road for two games next week, traveling to Fredericksburg on Wednesday to play Mary Washington (8:00 p.m.) and then to St. Mary's City, Md., for a Saturday afternoon battle with St. Mary's (4:00 p.m.).

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