The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team fell behind early, roared back to take a second half lead, but fell in overtime to Christopher Newport University, 74-72, on Friday in the first round of the UMW Tipoff Classic at the new William M. Anderson Center. The Eagles fall to 0-1 while CNU improves to 1-1.

Christopher Newport opened the game on an 18-5 run, but the Eagles were able to use a 30-5 run in the final 12 minutes to take a 35-23 lead to halftime. The Captains chipped away, tying the score at 54 with 6:22 to goand the teams traded leads until Walt Smith (Alexandria, Va., T.C. Williams) scored to knot the game at 64 with 1:58 to go. The score stood until the finals seconds, with UMW's last-second three atempt rimmed out, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra period, the Eagles scored first, but CNU built a four-point lead with eight seconds to go. UMW's Bradley Riester (Richmond, Va., Monacan) hit a long three with two seconds left to cut the deficit to one, but CNU made a free throw with one second left to cap the scoring.

The Eagles were led by Riester's 21 points, while sophomore Matt Boward (Manassas, Va., Forest Park) had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Tad Dickman (Springfield, Va., Robert E. Lee) scored 13 for UMW. CNU was led by Conley Taylor's 22 points.

Both teams shot poorly, at 28.6% from the floor. UMW went just 15-32 from the free throw line. The Eagles did force 27 turnovers, while committing 18.

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, as CNU plays York College (NY) at 1:00 and the Eagles face Newport News Apprentice at 3:00.