CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sophomores Ethan Ward and Tyson Henderson led the way with career highs on Friday, as Christopher Newport University edged Elmhurst University, 82-80, in the Jay Bilas Classic.
Ward logged his first career double-double with career highs in points (20) and rebounds (11). Henderson tallied 18 points as the 18th-ranked Captains improved to 10-3 on the season. Elmhurst dropped to 4-7 with its third straight loss.
Another CNU sophomore, Toa Hollenbeck, scored 21 points in the opening half, but suffered a back injury late in the half and was unable to continue after coming back briefly in the second half. Junior Collin Hines added eight points, and registered a game-high ten rebounds as the Captains out-rebounded the Blue Jays, 49-39.
“This is what you expect when you bring really good programs together for a tournament,” Head Coach John Krikorian said following the victory. “Elmhurst kept coming at us, and they made some amazing shots. Our guys worked hard and didn’t let up and got the victory in another hard-fought game.”
Christopher Newport twice opened ten point leads in the opening half, jumping to 20-10 and 34-24 advantages. The Blue Jays rallied with a 22-14 run before halftime to cut the lead to two, 48-46, at the intermission. CNU then reeled off nine straight points early in the second half to push the lead to a dozen, and later upped its advantage to 15, 66-51. Again, Elmhurst battled back, as the Blue Jays utilized outstanding three-point shooting to cut into the lead. Elmhurst knocked down ten of 23 from long range for the game, and got as close as two in the final minute only to fall short. The Jays shot 50 percent for the day (26 of 52), and also made 18 of 28 at the charity stripe (64 percent).
Henderson scored eight of his 18 points at the foul line, making eight of nine, including his last five attempts in the second half to help seal the win. The battle featured five technical fouls, 48 total fouls, and 60 foul shots. The Captains managed to win despite 36 percent shooting overall (25 of 70) and 55 percent foul shooting (23 of 42). Graduate student Tagen Pearson led the Jays with 26 points, while junior Dominic Trelenberg added 21.
CNU split its two games in the Jay Bilas Classic at Queens University’s Curry Arena, with both games decided by two points. The Captains fell to 11th-ranked Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Thursday, 70-68.
The Captains now have an eight day break for the holidays before returning to action on Sunday, December 29th. CNU will host Misericordia in the Captains Shootout at the Freeman Center with tip off set for 4;00 p.m. Ferrum and Berry will open the two-day tournament at 2:00 p.m. The Shootout continues on Monday, December 30th, with the third place game at 3:00 p.m. followed by the Championship at 5:00 p.m.
“We definitely have some things to figure out, and this break comes at a good time,” Krikorian continued. “We’ll enjoy the holidays and get back to work to prepare for the Shootout.”
