NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport had a nine-game winning streak against Frostburg State snapped Saturday afternoon at the Freeman Center, as the Bobcats recorded an 83-81 overtime victory over the 17th-ranked Captains. CNU fell to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the Capital Athletic Conference, while FSU improved to 4-2 for the year and 2-0 in the league.
"I give Frostburg a lot of credit for the way they defended us and the shots they made," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "They've got a really talented and experienced group and made it very difficult for us."
The victory was the first ever in Newport News for Frostburg State in ten games played, and came in Head Coach Webb Hatch's final regular-season trip to the CNU campus. Christopher Newport now holds a 15-5 edge in the all-time series.
The Captains led by as many as 11 in the opening half before the Bobcats cut the advantage to two at the intermission, 38-36. The second half produced a seesaw battle that came down to the wire. Frostburg State's Darren Campbell sank a three-pointer from the top of the key in the final seconds to tie the game at 71-71 and force overtime. In the extra period, the Bobcats went up by as many as six and held on for the two-point triumph. In all, the battle in front of 794 fans saw eight lead changes and was tied 11 times.
Sophomore center Savonte Chappell led the Captains with a career-high 21 points in just 19 minutes of playing time. Chappell made eight of 13 shots and also pulled down four boards. Senior Aaron McFarland recorded 17 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Brandon Edmond scored 14, the first points of his CNU career. Senior center Spencer Marin registered the first double-double of the season for CNU with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Captains shot just 39.5 percent for the game (30 of 76) and made just 11 of 20 foul shots (55 percent).
"Their big man (Edwin) Cole really does a lot to impact shots," Krikorian said. "I think he played a big part in the way we shot the ball around the basket." Cole contributed nine points, 12 rebounds, and set a new Freeman Center record with eight blocked shots for the Bobcats. Frostburg State blocked a total of 12 CNU shots for the day.
Senior Jordan Johnson scored six of his ten points in overtime for the Bobcats, who were led by senior Tyler Michael's 24 points, with four coming in the extra period. Sophomore Daniel Alexander posted 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Bobcats, who also got ten points from senior Darren Campbell, with two coming in overtime.
The Captains shot well from beyond the three-point line, making 10 of 24 shots for 41.7 percent long-range shooting. McFarland, who had four for the day on nine attempts, and freshman Jason Aigner both knocked down triples in overtime in CNU's comeback scramble. Christopher Newport out-rebounded Frostburg, 51-47, with the two Captains centers (Chappell and Marin) combining for 33 points and 16 rebounds.
Hatch, who is in his 19th season leading Frostburg State, announced prior to the start of the season this would be his last on the Bobcats bench. The teams will meet again in Frostburg on January 20th.
The Captains again were without the services of senior Marcus Carter and sophomore Cutch Ellis due to ankle injuries. Sophomore point guard Tyler Femi also could not play after turning an ankle in practice on Friday. Christopher Newport returns to action on Wednesday night in St. Mary's City, Md., as the Captains take on the Seahawks of St. Mary's College. Tipoff time is set for 6:00 p.m.