NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University broke open a close game in the second half Wednesday night, and the 18th-ranked Captains sailed to a 94-76 victory over Marymount University at the Freeman Center. Fifth-year senior All-American Jahn Hines scored 15 of his 24 points in the second half, as the Captains upped a one-point halftime lead to the 18-point final verdict.
Hines, who has received All-American honors three straight years, made nine of 16 shots for the night, and moved into eighth place on CNU's all-time scoring list, passing Buck Moore. Hines was joined in double figures in the scoring column by a trio of sophomores, Ethan Ward (14), Jason Ofcarcik (12), and Isaiah Dozier (12).
"Jahn really adjusted his game in the second half, and found where he could have success tonight," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "Our big guys really played well tonight as well. We thought we had an advantage on the interior coming into the game, and Ethan Ward, Jason Ofcarcik and Ryan Derderian all really stepped up."
The Captains and Saints exchanged the lead four times in the first five minutes of the opening half. Sophomore Ryan Derderian's layup with 15:23 to play gave CNU a 12-11 advantage, and the Captains would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way. Christopher Newport held a 37-36 edge at the intermission, and built the lead steadily throughout the second half. Hines' driving layup with 20 seconds remaining concluded the scoring and pushed the final margin to 18.
Christopher Newport out-scored Marymount in the second half, 57-40, and the Captains shot at a torrid pace, making 23 of 31 shots after the break (74 percent). For the night, CNU made 36 of 59 shots (61 percent) for its best shooting effort of the season. The Captains also out-rebounded the Saints, 36-23, with Hines, Dozier, and Ofcarcik each hauling in six boards.The Saints were held to 40 percent shooting from the field for the night (20 of 50).
Marymount, now 5-3, was led by a 25-point performance from Isaac Harris, who also topped the team with seven rebounds. Marcus Stubbs (16) and Miles Phillips (10) also scored in double figures for the Saints, who made 33 of 42 free throw attempts (79 percent). A total of 51 fouls were called in the game, and the teams combined to shoot 65 foul shots.
The victory was the third straight for the Captains, and the fifth straight in the series with Marymount. CNU now holds a 25-5 all-time edge against the Saints.
Christopher Newport returns to action on Saturday, hosting Mary Baldwin at the Freeman Center in the final game of a four-game home stretch. It will also be the final game before a 12-day break in the schedule for final exams. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. Saturday.