NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 5th ranked Captains of Christopher Newport sailed past the Averett Cougars (7-8, 3-6) in USA South action tonight, winning their 31st home game in a row by a final score of 78-36. CNU posted another impressive defensive performance, holding Averett to just 28.8% shooting and forcing 22 turnovers in game.

The Captains opened up a 25-point lead at halftime, 39-14, led by another solid defensive effort across the board. CNU held the Cougars to just 20.8% shooting (5-24) from the field in the first half, logging eight steals and three blocks. Senior Barbara Davis led the way, with three blocks and two steals, while also posting eight points and three rebounds.

Christopher Newport shot 48.3% from the field in the first half on 14-29 shooting, led by Davis' 3-for-3. Rookie Tia Perry added 3-for-4 from the for 6 points, while hauling in five boards and grabbing two steals.

The Captains continued to add to their lead in the second half, extending it to as many as 44 points with 3:34 remaining (72-28). The Captains defense continued to force Averett mistakes, as the road team turned the ball over 22 times in the game, leading to 27 points. CNU got four steals each from Davis, Perry and Chelsie Schweers, while Davis added four blocks.

Schweers led the way on the scoreboard for the 14th time this season in 15 games, finishing with 16 points. Davis finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jessica Moore rounded out the double-figure scoring with 10 points. All eleven Captains that played in tonight's game scored at least two points.

Averett was led by Abby Bailey, scoring 12 points on 6-of-11 shooting while also grabbing five rebounds. Liz Martin added seven points and four rebounds, but turned the ball over nine times.

CNU finished the night shooting 48.3% from the field on 29-60 shooting.

The Captains return to action this weekend as they travel to Methodist and Greensboro for a Friday-Sunday set. Tip at Methodist on Friday night is set for 7:00 pm.