The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team's comeback bid fell short in Capital Athletic Conference action against Christopher Newport University, 80-62, on Wednesday evening in the Ron Rosner Arena. The Eagles are now 7-7 overall, and 3-4 in league play.
Christopher Newport controlled the lead the whole way, jumping out to a quick 15-0 advantage in the opening six minutes. A jumper from junior T.J. Jones put the Eagles on the board at the 13:54 mark. The Eagles continued to struggle from the floor throughout the half, shooting 20.7%. By halftime, CNU had extended their to 26, at 46-20.
CNU opened the second half with a three point basket from Hunter Wetherell to push the lead to 49-20. The Eagles responded, and slowly chipped away at the 29 point deficit. T.J. Jones converted two layups, before another basket from CNU. Jones responded with a three point jumper, along with a jumper from freshman Mark Madison to bring CNU's lead down to 22, at 51-29.
Jones continued to fuel the Eagles' comeback, scoring eight points over the next two minutes compared to just two for CNU. Now down 17, at 54-37, the Eagles found a spark off the bench from junior guards Brent Mahoney and Isaac Blue. The Eagles turned up the full court pressure, creating steals off of several deflections, several of those from Blue. After a CNU turnover, Mahoney finished an old-fashioned three point play before knocking down two more layups, cutting the lead to 10, at 54-44.
With the lead down to 10, CNU responded with a three pointer from Rayshard Brown. The Eagles answered with an Emerson Burk layup and an old-fashioned three from Asa Scott, bringing the score to 57-49. Eight was as close as the Eagles would get, as CNU began to get to the rim in transition to up their lead back to 18 by the final buzzer.
Mary Washington shot 36.5% from the field (23-63), including 6-17 three pointers, and made 10-17 free throws. Christopher Newport shot 47.8% from the field (32-67), including 9-21 three pointers, and made 7-13 free throws.
Jones led the Eagles with 22 points, while Mahoney added 10.
The Eagles are back in action on Saturday at 4:00 pm as they visit Marymount for another CAC tilt.