NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Top-ranked Christopher Newport used a late run to hold on for an 83-73 win over Rowan in the CNU/Holiday Inn Invitational.
 
Khalif Meares had 22 points, eight rebounds and six steals for the Profs. Ja'Zere Noel chipped in 15 points and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Booty Butler added 11 points while Jamar Spivey grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds for Rowan (4-2).
 
The Captains led by as much as 51-33 early in the second half although Rowan chipped away and cut it to single digits a few times. Trailing 71-61, Rowan scored seven in a row after a pair of free throws from Meares and a three-pointer by Chris McCarron to come within, 71-68. From there, Christopher Newport went on a 9-0 run to take an 80-68 lead with :48 to play and secure the win.
 
In the first half, CNU (5-2)  broke open a close game by going on a 13-3 run in the final five minutes to take a 43-29 halftime lead.
 
The Profs struggled from the field hitting just 25-for-84, while CNU converted just under 45 percent in the game (30-for-67).
 
Rowan will host TCNJ in an NJAC doubleheader on Wednesday.