NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University broke open a close game thanks to a 22-5 run over the final eight minutes of the first half, and coasted to a 101-65 victory Saturday over Alvernia University (Pa.).  The Captains improved to 4-2 on the year with the win in the first round of the CNU/Holiday Inn Invitational at the Freeman Center.

CNU held a 21-19 lead over the Golden Wolves with 7:52 to play in the first half prior to the outburst that led to a 43-24 halftime advantage. The Captains went on to out-score Alvernia in the second half, 58-41, to coast to the 36-point triumph.

"We had good energy today, and it came from a lot of people, which was great to see," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "I was impressed with a number of our guys who really got after it today...Alvernia is a good program and you're always concerned coming off a holiday break, and also with the game coming up tomorrow against Randolph-Macon. But we certainly didn't look past them and showed what we're capable of."

Sophomore Jahn Hines led the way for the Captains, scoring 19 points on 8 of 12 shooting, and also adding seven rebounds and six assists. Sophomore Trey Barber recorded a game-high 12 rebounds, and also scored seven points and blocked seven shots.

"We had 14 blocks today, which is fantastic, and only seven came from Trey," Krikorian continued. "That tells you how active we were defensively and how many different guys were contributing." The Captains held Alvernia to 37 percent shooting (23 of 62), and made 38 of 74 total shots (51 percent).

Christopher Newport utilized 18 players in the first meeting ever with Alvernia, and 14 Captains got into the scoring column. Freshman Tyler Henderson tallied 15 points by draining five three-pointers, and four others (fifth-year seniors Jason Aignerand Adrian Beasley, as well as junior Devon Parrish and sophomore Ian Anderson) added eight points. CNU knocked down 16 three-pointers for the day, going 16 of 36 (44 percent) from beyond the arc. Sophomore Zion Hanberry drilled the16th triple of the game for the Captains in the final minute to put them over the 100-point mark for the second time this season. 

The Captains held a decisive edge on the boards, out-rebounding Alvernia, 55-29, for the afternoon. CNU gave up just seven offensive rebounds to the Wolves, who fell to 3-3 on the season. AU was led by junior Mickeel Allen's 19 points.

Christopher Newport will host top-ranked and undefeated Randolph-Macon College on Sunday in the third game of a triple-header at the Freeman Center. The Yellow Jackets improved to 6-0 on Saturday with a 78-58 victory over New Jersey City University in the opening game of the invitational.

Sunday's schedule will have Alvernia playing New Jersey City in a 12 noon tipoff, followed by the Christopher Newport women's team vs. Franklin and Marshall at 2:00 p.m. The Captains will then play R-MC in the final game at 4:00 p.m.