NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- In Friday night's USA South Tournament Semifinal round, the second seeded Christopher Newport Captains left little doubt against the third-seeded Greensboro Pride, beating the preseason favorites, 58-41. CNU led by as many as 25 in the game, surging to a 22-5 overall record and punching a ticket to Ferrum for the USA South Championship game this Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 pm.

CNU and Greensboro split the regular season series, with both games decided by single digits including a buzzer-beating win for the Pride in Newport News just two weeks ago. This time, though, CNU tore open an early double-digit lead and the Pride would never get within two possessions the rest of the way.

Greensboro, selected to win the 2012 conference title in the preseason coaches poll and receiving votes in the national rankings all season, led for just a moment in Friday night's game, at 2-0. Senior Bianca Richburg hit a short jumper to end a near-three-minute drought for both teams to start the game, but CNU answered with a fast-break layup by senior Kimmy Hopkins on the other end just four seconds later.

Those four seconds would be it for Greensboro, as CNU ripped off a 13-0 run to take the double-digit lead with 10:41 remaining in the first half. A three-pointer from junior Kelly Halverson with 2:17 to go gave CNU a 16-point first-half lead, cut to 15 at the break by a free-throw from Alicia Burr. CNU led 28-13, holding one of leagues top offenses to just five made field goals and 18.5% shooting (5-27).

The Pride's Preseason All-American Danielle Duncan was stuck with just six minutes played in the first half while in foul trouble, going 0-1 with no points or rebounds. Richburg grabbed 10 rebounds in the first half to go with her team-high eight points.

CNU made 12 first-half buckets and, impressively, had 12 assists. Three different players had six points in the half and six different players dished off helpers.

In the second half, CNU built the lead to a game-high 25 points with 7:57 remaining when Nicole Mitchell buried a three-pointer from the top of the key. The score gave CNU a 54-29 lead and was followed by a 12-4 Greensboro spurt over the final eight minutes for the final score, 58-41.

Rookie Camry Green collected her third straight double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Perry had a game-high 14 points on 7-13 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double of her own, while she also added two assists, two blocks and a steal. Mitchell finished out a well-rounded game with 12 points, eight rebounds and five dimes.

Richburg finished with 11 points and 18 rebounds for the Pride, but was the lone player in double figures for Greensboro. CNU senior Lauren Gural and Green combined to hold Duncan to just 2-7 from the field for eight points and four rebounds in 19 minutes of action. Andrienne Terrell, the hero from two weeks prior, had nine points, seven rebounds and three assists.

CNU advances to its sixth straight USA South Championship game, winning five of them including three straight. The Captains will take on a tough top-seeded Ferrum College (22-5) squad on its home floor. The game is set for 2:00 pm. Live stats and live video links will be available at CNUsports.com