ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - Christopher Newport University used a strong second half effort Saturday to defeat Greensboro College, 78-61, in the opening game of the season for both squads. The Captains, ranked fifth in the country in pre-season, got double digit scoring efforts from three players to open the 57th season in program history. Junior Collin Hines came off the bench and led the way with 19, while sophomore Toa Hollenbeck posted 17 and fifth-year senior Jahn Hines added 13.

The Captains, who were 24-7 last year and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, led by three at the half, 41-38, before out-scoring the Pride in the second stanza, 37-23. CNU never trailed in the game, and used a 12-3 run over the first four minutes of the second half to open a 12-point lead. John Krikorian's squad eventually pushed the advantage to as many as 22 on the way to the 17-point verdict. The Captains out-rebounded the Pride, 34-26, with three different CNU players logging six boards. 

"It was great to get the season started," Krikorian said following the victory. "We had contributions from a lot of players and I thought our depth was a key. We were able to sustain our defensive energy and rebounding most of the game and I thought our guys really shared the ball on offense. Most importantly, we stayed healthy and learned a lot from this one that should help us moving forward."

The Captains committed just nine turnovers in the opening game, and took advantage of 22 Greensboro miscues, scoring 27 points off turnovers.

The 19-point performance from Collin Hines came in 25 minutes of playing time, and the junior made seven of eight shots including four of five from long range. His brother, fifth-year senior All-American Jahn Hines, dished out a team-high five assists, and also pulled down six rebounds and made a steal to go with his 13 points.

The game was played at Everett Gymnasium on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount. Christopher Newport will play the Bishops of NCWU on Sunday in a 3:00 p.m. tipoff.