BUENA VISTA, Va. – Shenandoah University used a strong second half to break open a close game and defeat host Southern Virginia 84-68 in non-conference men's basketball action Saturday afternoon.

Shenandoah (5-2) held just a 34-33 lead at the half as Southern Virginia (6-7) made up a seven-point deficit with six points in the waning moments of the first, but the Hornets erupted for a season-high 50 second half points to cruise to the easy win.

Seniors Chris Rhone (Washington, D.C./Northwestern) and Kenny Purnell (Baltimore, Md./Lake Clifton) did most of the damage; Rhone poured in 18 of his 24 points after the break while 17 of Purnell's game high 27 came in the second.

Up 40-37 at the 17:11 mark, Shenandoah put its hosts away with a 7-0 run over the next 1:37 to open up its first double digit lead of the game. After taking that 47-37 lead on a three-point play by Purnell, the Knights never got closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Southern Virginia attempted one more rally as they nailed five three-pointers in the second, four by Cedric Worley in the final 10 minutes, but SU answered with a 9-2 run over the last 3:47 to provide the final margin. 

The Hornets shot 28 for 57 (49.1 percent) for the game and were a sizzling 18 for 30 (60.0 percent) in the second. Sophomore Onyie Onunaku (Bristow, Va./Stonewall Jackson) helped his club to a 42-27 advantage on the glass with a game high 12 – he just missed his fourth double-double of the season with nine points.

Senior Chris Jenkins (Bristow, Va./Brentsville) dished out a career high eight assists to go along with eight points.

Box Score/Play by Play 

Shenandoah is off until next Saturday when the University of Mary Washington pays a visit to Winchester for a 3:00 tip.