DANVILLE, Va.- The Captains of Christopher Newport used a late first-half surge Saturday to open a 10-point halftime lead, 38-28, and cruised to a 77-56 win at Averett. The victory gives the Captains a 10-3 USA South mark, and Christopher Newport's game Sunday at Ferrum will decide the USA South's regular-season champion.

"It's going to be great to play for a championship," CNU head coach John Krikorian said after the triumph. "We've worked hard and played well today. I'm especially happy with how we shot the ball. Now we've got to focus on Ferrum."

The Captains connected on 57 percent of their shots at the Grant Center, making 30 of 53 for the game, and also downed eight of 19 from three-point range.

Ferrum also won Saturday, defeating Maryville at home to set up the conference finale. The Panthers are now 13-9 overall and 10-3 in the USA South.

After Averett jumped out to a 5-0 lead early, the Captains tied the Cougars at 19 before CNU went on a 19-9 run to end the opening half. CNU opened the lead through the second half to win by 21, which was the largest margin of the game.

Christopher Newport was led by their high-scoring trio of Tra Benefield (20 points), Mike Cherry (18 points) and Nik Biberaj (16 points). Benefield's 20 moved him into 15th place on the CNU all-time scoring list.

CNU out-rebounded Averett, 40-25, and the Captains were led on the boards by Benefield's nine rebounds and Biberaj's eight.

Justin Pierce led the Cougars with 26 points. Averett falls to 9-15 overall and 4-9 in the USA South. Averett will close the regular season Sunday with a home game against Maryville.

The Captains, now 17-5 overall and 10-3 in the USA South, defeated Ferrum in the first meeting at the Freeman Center, 76-58. The game was played on January 2nd.

Game time Sunday at Swartz Gymnasium is set for 4 p.m.

"It feels like we played them ages ago," Krikorian continued. "We've changed a lot since then, we've had ups and downs, and I'm sure they have too. I know we'll be ready to play."