#3 CNU Bounces Back With Win Over McMurry University, 67-59
HONOLULU, Hawaii -- The third-ranked CNU Captains (7-1) bounced back in the 2010 Hoop N' Surf Classic, coming from behind to beat McMurry University (5-5). The nation's leading scorer, Chelsie Schweers led the way for the Captains, scoring 32 points for her fourth 30-point game this season.
CNU struggled from the field in the first half, shooting just 28.1% (9-32) and McMurry slowly built a double-digit lead. McMurry, on the other hand, was hitting nearly 50% on 15-of-31 shooting and went up by 11 on a traditional three-point play from Anna Berthel with 3:05 remaining in the first half. Still, despite the difference in shooting, the Captains trailed just five at the break, 34-29.
McMurry managed to hold the lead for most of the second half, but Christopher Newport chipped away to tie it up on a Schweers free-throw with 4:29 remaining in the game. Then, on the next possession Kimmy Hopkins would give CNU its first lead since a 6-5 edge early in the first half, pulling ahead 56-54 after knocking down a layup with 4:06 to go.
It triggered an 18-5 run for CNU in the final minutes of the game that would lead the Captains to a come-from-behind win. Schweers led the charge, scoring 14 of the 18 points in the run, all coming in the final 5:09. She had 21 points in the second half, on 6-of-9 shooting, while also knocking down 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. The senior from Chesapeake would finish with 32 total points while also adding seven rebounds, four steals and two assists.
Schweers' effort helped CNU turn around their shooting woes in the second half, knocking down 41.4% (12-29) of their shots. Lauren Gural also finished in double figures in the game, with 11 points for CNU.
McMurry, who announced its intention to move to Division II just before the trip to Hawaii, was led by three in double figures. M.J. Vickers and Berthel each had 12 points while Keshia Collins added 11 off the bench.
The #3 Captains return home from Hawaii for the holidays, but will remain on the road for their next game. CNU will head to Virginia Wesleyan on December 30 with a 7:00 pm tip-off.
