NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University upped its record to 15-3 Saturday with a 61-59 home victory over East Texas Baptist University at the Freeman Center. The 17th-ranked Captains have now won 14 of their last 15 games, and have won seven straight games for the second time this season. Junior Zyir Baskerville came off the bench to lead the Captains in scoring with 16 points. He was joined in double figures by senior Collin Hines, who scored ten.

"Heading into the weekend, out mindset was to treat these two games as if they were during the NCAA Tournament," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "When you're playing back-to-back teams from a different region that you don't know a lot about, you've got to survive that first game to advance. That's very much what this game felt like today. I think both teams left it all on the court today, and I'm proud of our group and the rebounds and stops we got down the stretch to seal it." 

The back-and forth battle produced 18 lead changes, and was tied seven times. The Captains held a 32-26 advantage at the intermission, but fell behind by as many as five with 11:55 to play in the second half. The Captains made just three-of-14 three-pointers in the game, but two of the three proved to be a big factor in the final outcome. Junior Tyson Henderson knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 56-56 with 4:26 to play, and freshman Brandon Freeman followed with a triple of his own with 3:05 left on the clock to put the Captains ahead, 59-56, a lead the Captains would not relinquish.

Junior Ethan Ward led the Captains with nine rebounds as Christopher Newport out-rebounded the Tigers, 41-38. The Captains were able to prevail despite shooting just 40 percent from the field for the game (24-of-60) and 50 percent from the line (10-of-20).

"Their defense was tough, and they threw some things at us that we hadn't seen," Krikorian continued. "They changed their defenses a lot, and some of our guys adapted and some didn't. We went with the guys that were the most comfortable, and I'm glad we were on the right side of the final outcome."

Michael Roberts led the Tigers with 17 points and ten rebounds for the game's only double-double. The loss dropped ETBU to 5-13 for the year. The game was the first-ever of the two programs. 

Christopher Newport returns to action on Sunday afternoon against another Texas school, hosting the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. UMHB is 13-5 on the year after winning over Salisbury University at the Freeman Center Saturday, 64-60, in a game that followed the CNU win over East Texas Baptist.