SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Christopher Newport surged past Morrisville State Friday night thanks to a 20-0 run in the first half, cruising to an 81-45 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Championship. The Captains, now 26-2, advance to play Swarthmore College Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at Tarble Pavilion on the Swarthmore campus outside of Philadelphia. Swarthmore advanced by beating the College of Staten Island, 86-61.

CNU has now won 20 straight games, and was led by junior Marcus Carter's 15 points, followed by junior Aaron McFarland and senior Tim Daly with 13 each.

"They're a good team, they're just very young," Head Coach John Krikorian said following the triumph. "They played zone most of the night, which we expected, and once we got it going, we were able to show our experience and get ahead of them."

Morrisville State led 15-10 with 12:21 remaining in the opening half when the Captains took over. Krikorian's squad grabbed a 30-15 lead thanks to the run, led by a 45-23 margin at halftime, and then went ahead by as many as 36 in the second stanza.

CNU's defense, number one in the country in opponent field goal percentage, held the Mustangs to just 29 percent (14 of 48) for the night. The Captains also lead the nation in points allowed, and Friday's effort marked the 20th time this season the squad has held an opponent to 60 points or less, and the sixth time under the 50-point mark.

Christopher Newport shot a blistering 64 percent in the first half, 18 of 28, and finished the game at 55 percent from the field (33 of 60). All 15 players dressed for the Captains saw playing time and 12 got into the scoring column.

CNU held a commanding edge on the boards, out-rebounding the Mustangs, 41-26. Carter and McFarland led the way with seven rebounds each. The Captains also knocked down nine three-pointers.

Morrisville State's season ends with a 22-7 record. The Mustangs failed to get a player into double digits, with Trent Ward leading the way with nine points. It was the first meeting ever of the schools.

The Captains, who advanced to the Final Four last season, have not lost since December 17th at Salisbury. CNU is making its 21st NCAA appearance in the 50th season of Christopher Newport men's basketball.

"We don't have much time to enjoy this obviously," Krikorian continued. "This is such a great time of year, March madness, it's all about the next game. We'll get focused in and be ready for Saturday."

Saturday's opponent, Swarthmore College, is now 23-5 and opened with a flourish Friday night on its home court. SC never trailed the College of Staten Island, and the Garnet held a 39-30 lead at halftime en route to the 86-61 victory. It will be the first time Christopher Newport and Swarthmore have met on the hardwood.