NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport knocked down 16 three-pointers Sunday, as the Captains defeated Wesley, 97-78, in the Championship game of the 23rd annual Holiday Inn/Captains Shootout. The triumph at the Freeman Center improved the Captains' record to 9-4 to close out the 2019 portion of the schedule. 

Junior Jason Aigner led the way with 21 points, and was named Most Valuable Player of the two-day tournament. Aigner made seven of 12 shots, all from beyond the arc, to account for his 21 points. Senior Nick Parks was also selected to the All-Tournament team following a strong defensive effort.

"We turned up the intensity for the second straight day, and that's what we have to do every time we go out there," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "I was really pleased with our effort and I think we showed what we're capable of against a team that has some great weapons and is really difficult to defend."

Christopher Newport never trailed in the game, and led by as many as 12 in the opening half. After holding a 50-43 edge at the break, the Captains surged in the second half to a lead as big as 30. Christopher Newport held a 91-61 lead before the Wolverines ended the game on a 17-6 run for the 19-point final verdict.

The Captains held Wesley to just 30 percent shooting for the day (21 of 70) and out-rebounded the Wolverines, 50-46. Christopher Newport's defense also held Wesley senior Brian Cameron to just seven of 25 shooting. Cameron still managed to finish with a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds, as the Wolverines fell to 5-7 on the year.

Senior Dalon McHugh II and freshman Ian Anderson also reached double figures for the Captains, both scoring a dozen points. Anderson and senior Cutch Ellis topped the squad with seven rebounds each. For the second straight day, all 15 Captains dressed saw playing time, and 13 of the 15 got into the scoring column The 97 points scored on Sunday was a new season high for the Captains, eclipsing Saturday's 96-point outburst in a 96-52 victory over Bethany College (WV) in the opening round.

Joining Aigner and Parks on the All-Tournament team were Cameron from Wesley, Jordan Grant of Emory & Henry, and Dylan Furlong of Bethany. The Bison of Bethany recorded its first victory of the year Sunday in the third-place game of the tournament, 75-72, over Emory & Henry. Bethany is now 1-10 while Emory & Henry is 3-8 following the Shootout. 

Sunday's victory was the 11th straight for the Captains over Wesley, a former member of the Capital Athletic Conference, and the Captains now hold a 19-4 edge in the all-time series. The win also secured the program's 17th title in the annual holiday Captains Shootout. Christopher Newport is also now 7-1 this season at the Freeman Center.

The Captains have two non-conference games remaining on their schedule, and will open the new year on Thursday by playing at Washington College of Maryland. Tip off time is set for 4:00 p.m. Christopher Newport then plays at Widener on Saturday, January 4th, in a 2:00 p.m. start.

The Captains return to the Freeman Center to open CAC play on Friday, January 10th, when they host York College (PA) in a 5:30 p.m. tip off.