Men's Basketball | 2/20/2010 8:08:08 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Monarchs cut the Christopher Newport lead to one midway through the second half, but the Captains held on for the 76-70 win.

Christopher Newport went ahead 16-7 early in the first half but a 3-pointer from Methodist senior Tyler Sigman moved the Monarchs within two at the 8:25 mark. The Captains closed the half on a 16-4 run to lead 37-23 at the break.

The Monarchs came back firing in the second half with a 15-2 run of their own to cut the lead to one. Both teams exchanged baskets until Christopher Newport regained the 52-47 advantage. The Captains went up by as many as 10 points before free throws from junior Paul Bernard cut the gap to four with 3:18 on the clock. The Monarchs started to foul late in an attempt to regain possession, but Christopher Newport held on for the 76-70 win.

Sophomore Tanner Carnes led the Monarchs with 23 points and eight rebounds. Sigman scored 15 points and sophomore Mark Jernigan added 13 points with eight rebounds.

Brian Hermann paced the Captains with 23 points.

The Monarchs will travel to Shenandoah on Tuesday for the first round of the USA South Tournament.

Box Score