NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the second time in as many matchups this season, five different CNU players ended up with double-digit scoring against Methodist University (9-15, 4-7), as the Captains dropped the Monarchs, 87-72. Junior guard Conley Taylor led in the scoring column with 27 points, while senior forward Mike Green collected his fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Earlier this season, the Captains dropped Methodist in Fayetteville, with five guys finishing in double figures. The same five posted double-digit days again today, as Taylor and Green were joined by Tra Benefield (16), Jacob Capin (12) and Brian Herrmann (11).

The Captains defense was the story in the first half, as CNU piled up seven blocked shots in the first 20 minutes. Benefield swatted three, while senior Matt Preston added two and Taylor had one. CNU also had a pair of steals in the first half and scored 10 points off of turnovers.

CNU had an eight-point lead at the break, up 37-29. The lead quickly disappeared in the second half, as Methodist scored the first seven points of the half, all coming from Bryan Hockaday.

Paul Meredith stopped the run with his only bucket of the day with a floater just over the outstretched hands of Hockaday with 17:51 remaining. The Captains held the lead throughout the second half and Methodist would get no closer than two, at 48-46 with 12:58 remaining on another Hockaday jumper. He finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds to help lead Methodist.

The Captains shot 42.9% from the field on 24-56 shooting, including 50% from long-range, on 7-14 shooting. Methodist managed just 34.6% from the field on 28-81 shooting, including just 1-14 from three-point land, good for 7.1% shooting.

Green's double-double was the catalyst for CNU, finishing with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Taylor added six rebounds, five assists and a 16-for-18 day at the free-throw line to his game-high 27 points. Herrmann hauled in eight rebounds off the bench to go with his 11 points. The Captains finished the day with 10 blocks and four steals.

CNU will conclude the regular season tomorrow against Greensboro College with tip set for 6:00 pm. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for a special senior night celebration honoring the Captains three seniors (CaRes Patterson, Preston and Green).