VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Christopher Newport University fell to 7-4 on the season Sunday, dropping a 74-64 decision at Virginia Wesleyan University. Junior Jason Aigner (12 points) and freshman Ian Anderson (11 points) were the only Captains to reach double figures in the final game prior to holiday break.

"We just didn't finish," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "We had opportunities but just couldn't finish, and that's something we've been suffering from over the last few games. We've got a lot of work to do, and fortunately there's a lot of basketball left after the holidays."

The Captains fell behind out of the gate at the Batten Center, 6-0, and led just once in the game when they jumped ahead, 10-9. The Marlins built their lead to 11 at the half, 39-28, and maintained the lead throughout the second half. Christopher Newport was able to cut the advantage down to four, 60-56, with just over seven minutes to play. The Marlins answered with a 9-0 run to put the game away and cruise to the ten-point victory.

The Marlins, now 8-1, got 26 points from junior Tim Fisher and 20 from junior Corey Pelham as they recorded their fifth straight victory. Fisher recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds to go with his 26 points. 

Christopher Newport now leads the all-time series with the Marlins, 50-37, and the defeat snapped a three-game Captains winning streak in the series. The Captains shot just 39 percent from the floor (26 of 67) while the Marlins made 28 of 55 (51 percent). Both squads ended up with 39 rebounds as the Captains were led on the boards by senior Dalon McHugh II with six and Anderson, sophomore Tyler Trimble, senior Luther Gibbs, and sophomore Matt Urbach with five each. 

Christopher Newport will now have a 12-day break for the holidays. The Captains return to action on Saturday, December 28th, when they host Bethany College (W. Va.) in the two-day Captains Shootout. Tipoff time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the Freeman Center.