Newport News, Va. (Nov. 27, 2021) - A strong end to the first half helped propel Christopher Newport University (4-2) to a 101-65 win over Alvernia University (4-3) on Saturday afternoon in non-conference men's basketball action at the Christopher Newport/Holiday Inn Invitational in Newport News, Virginia. 

CNU held just a two point lead, 21-19, before going on a 22-5 run over the final eight minutes of the first half to take a 43-24 lead into the half. The Captains went on to score 58 in the final frame for the 101-65 win. 

Alvernia's Keon Taylor picked up a steal on CNU's opening possession of the game and Mickeel Allen converted a layup seconds later to give Alvernia an early 2-0 lead. 

The Captains tied it up on their next possession, but Malik Green converted two free throws on Alvernia's next possession to put the Golden Wolves up 4-2 just under 90 seconds into the action. 

Following a 3-pointer by the Captains, Alvernia's Jakob Kelly and Taylor hit back-to-back jumpers to put Alvernia up 8-5.

A layup by Allen with 16:34 put Alvernia up 10-5 with 16:34 remaining in the first half, but CNU began to chip away. A 3-pointer on their next possession and then a layup a minute later tied the game up for the Captain, 10-10, with 15:15 to play in the first. 

The Captains converted two free throws with 14:05 on the clock to give CNU the lead, which the Captains would hold the rest of the way.

After CNU led 21-17 with 8:16 to play in the first half, Green knocked down a jumper to bring Alvernia within two, 21-19, with just under eight minutes to play in the half. But, a layup on CNU's next possession sparked the 22-5 run to close out the half and give the Captains a 43-24 lead going into the half. 

CNU kept its foot on the gas coming out of the break and built up its lead to 32, 74-42, off a 3-pointer with 9:25 remaining the game. 

Alvernia did not get within 30 the rest of the way as CNU took the 101-65 win.

Allen led Alvernia with 19 points and six rebounds. Green also hit double digits with 11 points and six rebounds. 

The Golden Wolves have a quick turnaround and will face NJCU for the second time this season tomorrow at CNU. Alvernia beat NJCU 70-60 just a few weeks ago in the season opener.