NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University won its ninth straight game on Sunday, beating Marymount University at the Freeman Center, 81-66. The Captains, top-ranked in the nation for the second straight week, got balanced scoring with four starters reaching double digits, led by junior All-American Jahn Hines' 18 points. Hines was joined by a trio of seniors in double digits; Rodney Graves (16), Jake Latta (14), and Matthew Brodie (12).  

Christopher Newport held off the Saints, now 4-6, despite being without the services of two big men, junior Trey Barber (calf injury) and senior Ian Anderson (sickness).

"Being limited as we were in the middle, I thought we did a pretty good job overall," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "We defended well inside and had some guys step up who wouldn't ordinarily see quite so much playing time. Now that we're past final exams, this is the second phase of the season, and a good way to start it."    

CNU trailed, 13-12, with 10:47 to play in the opening half before going on a 24-14 run to claim a 36-27 edge at the intermission. The Captains then stretched the lead to as many as 21 in the second half en route to the 15-point triumph. Once the Captains pushed the lead to double digits early int he second half, the Saints could get no closer than ten the rest of the way. 

The Captains were propelled early in the game by senior Jake Latta, who scored all of his career-high 14 points in the opening half. Senior Rodney Graves and Hines led the attack after halftime, with Graves netting all of his 16 in the second stanza, and Hines scoring 12 of his 18 after the break.

Christopher Newport out-rebounded MU, 38-28, with Hines topping the team on the boards as well with eight. CNU scorched the nets in the second half, shooting 59 percent (19 of 32) and finished the game 34 of 66 from the field (52 percent). The Saints made 21 of 49 shots for the game (43 percent).

Marymount was led by sophomore Wyatt Hockenberry's 15 points,, with 13 coming in the second half. The Captains now lead the all-time series with the Saints, 24-4, and have won the last three meetings.

The victory, in front of 672 observers at the Freeman Center, was the 22nd straight home victory for the Captains, who were 17-0 at home last season. The Captains continue a span of three games in five days on Tuesday, when they host the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College. Tip-off time is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Freeman Center.