NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University returned to the win column on Saturday afternoon, beating Transylvania University (KY) in the opening round of the Holiday Inn Invitational at the Freeman Center, 81-61. Fifth-year senior All-American Jahn Hines led the way with 19 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing his third straight double-double. Two other Captains reached double digits in scoring as sophomore Toa Hollenbech notched 12, and sophomore Jason Ofcarcik added ten points.

Hines, a three-time All-American, also contributed three assists, two steals, and a blocked shot as the Captains improved to 6-2 on the year. CNU will play Franklin & Marshall College (PA) Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the Championship of the two-day tourney. F&M downed St. Joseph University (CT) in Saturday's opening game, 59-39.

"This is a solid win for us coming off a tough loss at Averett on Monday night," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "Overall I thought we were a little more together today than we have been, and there are a lot of positives to take from this. Getting Jason Ofcarcik back from injury was a help, he really impacts the game with his hustle and is a loose ball magnet, We've missed him and we're glad he's back."

Ofcarcik, a sophomore transfer from Nichols College, posted six rebounds and three assists to go with his ten points. Sophomores Hasan Hammad and Ryan Derderian both scored eight points and Derderian logged five rebounds and a blocked shot as CNU improved to 3-1 at home this season.

The game was the first ever of the programs, and was tied in the opening half, 23-23, with 5:18 to play when the Captains took control. CNU used a 17-3 run to close out the half, and held a 40-26 advantage at the intermission. The Captains pushed the lead to as many as 20 three times in the second stanza, including the final verdict, while the Pioneers could get no closer than 11. Christopher Newport out-rebounded the Pioneers, 42-32, and forced 17 turnovers while committing just eight. 

Transylvania, located in Lexington, KY., is now 1-2 following the loss. The Pioneers were led by Ian Ressor off the bench, who knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 14 points.

"Our perimeter defense has to be better, that's something that's been lacking all season," Krikorian continued. "We're going to have a great test in the championship. Franklin & Marshall is known for their physicality, they're big, strong, and tough. They like to play a little slower, and grind it out. It's definitely going to be two different styles, and we're going to have to study some film to see where we can find some advantages."

Sunday's schedule at the Freeman Center will open with the third-place game at 2:00 p.m. as St. Joseph (3-2) takes on Transylvania, The Championship is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start as the Captains play Franklin & Marshall (5-2). It will be the third all-time meeting of the programs, with the series even at 1-1.