NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – No. 17 New Jersey City University rallied for a 68-55 men's basketball victory over Shenandoah University Saturday in the consolation contest of the Crowne Plaza Captains Shootout hosted by Christopher Newport University.

Shenandoah (6-5) led the Gothic Knights (10-1) by one, 32-31, at the half, but could not hold off NJCU over the final 20 minutes.

New Jersey shot 39 percent in the second stanza (11-for-28), outrebounded SU, 24-17, and held the Hornets to 28 percent shooting (7-of-25) to earn the 13-point win.

Trailing 36-31 after Kwa McDonald hit a layup 81 seconds into the second half, New Jersey City scored 19 of the game's next 24 points in a span of 9:14 to take a 52-41 lead with 6:16 left.

McDonald, who finished with a game-high 24 points, ended that run with a jumper at 5:57 but this would prove to be Shenandoah's high-water mark.

The Gothic Knights held at least a nine-point lead the rest of the way as they made 10 of their final 12 attempts from the line to stave off the Hornets comeback attempt.

McDonald added 10 rebounds to his 24 points to post his first double-double of the season. Following the game, he was named to the All-Tournament team.

Christian Meredith had eight points and seven rebounds to back up McDonald.

The two teams traded the lead seven times and were tied on 11 occasions.

Shenandoah reopens ODAC play on Wednesday with a 7 p.m. game at Randolph-Macon.

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