Women's Basketball Drops 77-63 Decision To VA Wesleyan

NEWPORT NEWS, VA - Christopher Newport's women's basketball team dropped a 77-63 decision to cross-water rival VA Wesleyan Tuesday night.

The Lady Captains, for the second time in as many years, let a halftime lead against VA Wesleyan get away. This year they led 39-31 at the break on 16-of-27 (59%) shooting from the field. Candace Bryant made all five field goal attempts in the first half and finished with 12 points.

CNU held the Marlins to just 12-of-32 (38%) shooting from the floor, 2-of-8 from behind the arc and 5-of-8 (63%) from the line.

VA Wesleyan went on a 19-4 run to start the second half and took a 50-43 lead with 11:59 remaining in the game. Anytime the Lady Captains tried to cut into the lead, the Marlins would answer. CNU cut the lead to as few as five, 54-49, with 10:20 left on a lay-up by Samantha Davis. VA Wesleyan countered by going on an 11-2 run to increase its lead to 14 with 7:33 left to play.

The Marlins picked up their shooting and stepped up their defense in the second. VWC shot 13-of-28 (46%) from the field and 4-of-7 (57%) from behind the arc while sinking 16-of-21 (76%) free throws. VA Wesleyan forced 16 second half turnovers and 26 for the game and turned them into 27 points. CNU shot just 25% from the field, 0-of-5 from behind the arc and 12-of-16 from the line in the second half.

For the game, the Marlins finished 25-of-60 (42%) from the floor, 6-of-15 (40%) from behind the arc and 21-of-29 (72%) from the charity stripe. The Lady Captains were 22-of-51 (43%) from the field for the game, 0-of-7 on three-pointers and 19-of-28 (68%) from the free throw line.

The Marlins were led by Chelsey Barrett's 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field including 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 7-of-9 from the charity stripe. Tonia Jones added 12 points and five rebounds while Taylor Lowe contributed 11 points.

Bryant paced the Lady Captains with 18 points and nine rebounds. Nikki Rowland added 12 points.

VA Wesleyan improves to 2-1 on the year while CNU falls to 1-2. Christopher Newport returns to action Saturday as they host Marymount with tip set for 2 pm.

Box Score