Women's Basketball Upends NC Wesleyan, 77-63

ROCKY MOUNT, NC - Christopher Newport's women's basketball team defeated NC Wesleyan 77-63 Tuesday evening in USA South play.

The Lady Captains led early, leading by 10, 22-12, with 8:51 to go in the opening half on a jumper by Krystal Vest. CNU would extend its lead to as many as 13 when they led 36-23 with 2:52 to go in the first.

The Bishops would counter with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to six, 36-30 at the break.

CNU was hot shooting from the field in the first, finishing 15-of-28 (54%), including 2-of-3 from behind the arc. The Lady Captains finished 4-of-4 from the line. NC Wesleyan was 11-of-26 (42%) from the floor in the opening half, 2-of-7 (29%) from downtown and 6-of-7 (86%) from the charity stripe.

In the second half, the Bishops began with a fury, scoring six of the first eight points to tie the score at 38-all with 17:25 to play. CNU countered with six straight to re-take the lead 44-38 with 14:56 left in the game.

The Lady Captains extended their lead to 10, 55-45, with 9:20 to go on Colandra Rollins bucket in the lane. Five minutes later, CNU extended its lead to 15, 70-55, on another Rollins' bucket and ensuing free throw. The largest lead the Lady Captains would have would be 16, which came just before the end of the game.

For the game, CNU finished 29-of-55 (53%) from the floor, 3-of-4 from behind the arc and 16-of-18 (89%) from the free throw line. NC Wesleyan finished 22-of-53 (42%) from the field, 3-of-14 (21%) from long range and 16-of-24 (67%) from the stripe.

Shameika Faircloth paced the Bishops with 16 points while Liz Ansley finished with 15.

Nikki Rowland paced Christopher Newport with 19 points, 11 in the second half. She was 7-of-11 shooting from the floor, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc. Rollins finished with 13 points off the bench, Dee Luck added 12 and Michele Russell had a season-high 10 points to go along with five helpers.

NC Wesleyan falls to 4-15 overall and 1-9 in conference play. CNU improves to 14-7 overall and 8-2 in the USA South.

Christopher Newport returns to action Saturday as they hit the road for the final time. The Lady Captains play at Averett with tip set for 2 pm.

Box Score