NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport and Salisbury staged another exciting battle in their long-running series Wednesday night as the schools opened Capital Athletic Conference play at the Freeman Center. CNU, ranked 17th in the country this week, opened a 14-point lead in the second half and then had to hang on for a 71-66 victory over the Sea Gulls. The Captains improved to 4-1 with the victory, while Salisbury had its record evened at 2-2.

"This is an important step for us," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "We're young and trying to get better every time we're on the floor. Salisbury is a great program with a proven system, and to bounce back after playing the way we did on Sunday and win this game means a lot."

The game featured five lead changes and was tied seven times. CNU held a 35-32 edge at halftime, and the Captains pushed the advantage to 14 four minutes into the second half on a three-pointer from freshman Jason Aigner. Salisbury then responded by chipping away at the lead, eventually going back ahead, 54-53, with 7:40 to play on a triple from Braeden Dorsey. CNU got a tip-in from sophomore Luther Gibbs to go back ahead, 58-56, with six minutes to play...and the Captains never trailed again en route to the five-point victory in front of 774 fans at the Freeman Center.

Senior Aaron McFarland led the way for Christopher Newport, scoring 26 points including five three-point field goals. McFarland knocked down eight of 13 shots for the night, including five of eight from behind the three-point line. CNU also got double-digit performances from both of their big men. Sophomore Savonte Chappell, who started in the middle, posted 14 points and four rebounds, while senior Spencer Marin came off the bench to register 11 points and eight rebounds.

"Both of our big men did a great job tonight," Krikorian continued. "We went with Savonte to start because we thought the matchup would be favorable, and it turned out well."

The Captains made 25 of 46 shots for the night for 54 percent shooting, while holding Salisbury to just 36 percent shooting (24 of 67). CNU out-rebounded SU, 35-33, and hung on for the victory despite 23 turnovers, with 17 coming in the second half. Salisbury was led by senior Chad Barcikowski's 14 points.

CNU now leads the all-time series with Salisbury, 26-15, and the last six games have now been decided by just 12 total points. The Captains have beaten the Sea Gulls in the last two CAC Championship games, with both decided by one point. CNU has taken six of the last seven meetings with the Gulls.

Christopher Newport hosts Frostburg State Saturday at the Freeman Center in CAC play. Tipoff time is set for 4:00 p.m.

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