NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport jumped to an early 17-0 lead Friday night and never trailed, coasting to an 88-50 triumph over Baruch College at the Freeman Center. The victory in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament improved CNU's record to 25-2 on the year.

The Captains, who have now won 22 straight games, will host Susquehanna University Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. The River Hawks advanced by winning their 14th straight, a 94-84 victory over Rowan University in the first game Friday at the Freeman Center. SU is now 24-4 following the victory.

"it's survive and advance time, and that's what this is all about," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "We knew Baruch had talented players and prepared for them all week. I think we were deeper and were able to wear them down, and a lot of guys came off our bench tonight and really put us over the top. We don't have much time to enjoy it, because Susquehanna is going to be another great test for us tomorrow night." 

The Captains out-scored the Bearcats off the bench, 39-12, as 13 Captains reached the scoring column. Sophomore Trey Barber led the way for the Captains, posting a double-double with 17 points and ten rebounds. Freshman Ty Henderson (14) and senior Matt Brodie (10) also reached double figures. 

Following the 17-0 run to start the game, Baruch rallied to pull as close at nine, 32-23. CNU then finished the first half strong, surging to a 46-23 edge at the break. Christopher Newport went on to out-score Baruch in the second half, 42-27, to account for the 38-point final verdict.

The Captains out-rebounded the Bearcats, 51-38, and forced 14 turnovers while committing only seven. CNU drained 11 three pointers, including three from Henderson and three from fifth-year senior Adrian Beasley off the bench.

Baruch, Champions of the City University of New York Athletic Conference, was led by 14 points from Jehmehl Fair. The Bearcats conclude the season with a 20-8 record. The first round matchup at the Freeman Center marked the first meeting ever of the schools. A crowd of 1,117 watched the Captains post their biggest NCAA win in program history, surpassing the Captains' 36-point triumph over Morrisville State in the first round of the 2017 tournament. Christopher Newport is now 25-24 all-time in NCAA play, and the Captains are appearing in the tournament for the 25th time in the 54-year history of the program.

Tickets for Saturday's second round contest between CNU and Susquehanna will be available at the Freeman Center Ticket Office prior to tip off. The ticket office will open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night, with game time at 7:30 p.m.

"I have a great deal of respect for the Susquehanna program and Coach Marcinek," Krikorian continued. "They've had a terrific year and are very talented as we saw tonight against Rowan. I think it will be a really good battle, and we're going to have to play at a high level to advance."