CNU senior forward Tim Daly was dominant, finishing with a game high 28 points and 11 rebounds
In a key conference match-up, St Mary's hosted nationally ranked Christopher Newport University who came in the top seed in the CAC. The Seahawks battled the Captains in an early season contest and nearly walked out victorious before fading late 68-60. Now in the O'Brien ARC , St Mary's looked to pull off the upset. CNU had other plans. Led by a dominant performance from senior forward Tim Daly 28 points (12-13 FG), 11 rebounds and 3 assist, the Captains defeated the Seahawks 88-61.
CNU jumped out to a 11-0 lead behind a steady diet of Daly who scored 7 of the Captains 11 points. A couple of three-pointers by Matt Ayoub sparked a Seahawks run, which had them trailing 26-20 at the 7 minute mark. CNU responded in kind. Behind a swarming, intense defense, the Captains went on a 22-2 run to take a 48-22 halftime lead. The second half saw more of the same as the Seahawks simply couldn't stop the Captains inside scoring. CNU shot 57 percent while exploding offensively, going on a 42-11 run to take a 39 points lead, the Seahawks wouldn't threaten again.
Matt Ayoub led the Seahawks with 18 points while guards Delaszo Smith and Tre Mouton added 10 and 7 points respectively. CNU guards Marcus Carter added 12 points while guard Kevin Regimbal 8 points. St Mary's dropped to 10-11/5-9 while Christopher Newport improved to 19-2/13-1. St. Mary's remains in eighth place in the conference standings and one game back off the playoff picture. St. Mary's will next look to defeat the University of Mary Washington (10-11, 6-8 CAC) down in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, February 8.
Delaszo Smith drives on Christopher Newport
Marcus Carter was big for the Captains, posting 12 points on 5-8 FG