NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University held off a furious comeback by visiting Shenandoah Wednesday night to win 60-52 in the USA South Conference opener for both schools.

CNU (7-5 overall, 1-0 USA South) took advantage of poor free throw shooting by the Hornets (4-6, 0-1) to win its fifth straight game in the longtime series between the two teams.

After the two teams entered the halftime lockerroom tied at 27-27, Shenandoah took a pair of leads at the start of the half before the Captains regained the lead for good with a 7-2 run from the 17:40 to 14:54 marks.

CNU continued to build on its lead before another 7-2 spurt gave the hosts their biggest lead, 53-44, with 4:40 left. Shenandoah then scored six of the next nine points to bring itself within four with 1:42 remaining.

Unfortunately, SU could not get any closer as they missed all three of its field goal attempts and committed one turnover in the last 102 seconds.

The USA South's leading scorer, Chris Rhone (Washington, D.C./Northwestern (Okla.)), was held to 13 points after being held scoreless in the first. Kenneth Purnell (Baltimore, Md./Lake Clifton) also had 13 for the Hornets. Halston Camp (Harrisonburg, Va./Harrisonburg) had just two points for the visitors but pulled down a game high 11 rebounds to go along with a season high four blocks.

Steven Murrer, who was 8 for 9 from the field including 3 for 4 from behind the arc, had a game high 19 and Jeremy Romeo chipped in 16.

A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/mb/200304/011404.htm

SU opens up USA South Conference home action Saturday afternoon at 4:00 against NC Wesleyan as the second half of a doubleheader with the women.