Men's Basketball | 1/11/2012 9:32:00 PM

Box Score NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Methodist men's basketball team went on a 19-2 run to start the second half at Christopher Newport University and led 48-39, but the Captains made a late push to slip by the Monarchs 77-70.

Methodist (3-12, 0-3) trailed 37-29 at halftime, but came back with a huge rally to start the half backed by seven points from Mark Jernigan and six from Kyle Combs during the 19 point run. The Captains tied the game at 53 and 55, but the Monarchs kept responding to hold onto the lead by four. With 1:58 remaining CNU's Conley Taylor sank two free throws to give the Captains their first lead since the 14:38 mark in the period. Both teams were sent to the free throw line multiple times down the stretch, but Christopher Newport held the 73-67 edge with 23 seconds left. Methodist's Tyler Deal was fouled on a 3-point shot and hit all three free throws to cut the lead to three with nine seconds on the clock but the Captains finished up 4-for-4 at the line to win 77-70.

The first half went back and forth early with both teams exchanging baskets. Neither team led by more than three points until the final five minutes when CNU went on a late 9-0 run and led 37-29 at the break.

Methodist out shot the Captains finishing nearly 41 percent from the field compared to the CNU's 33.8 percent, but CNU out rebounded the Monarchs 51-37.

Jernigan paced the Monarchs with 21 points while Bryan Hockaday had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Combs finished up with 11 points and six boards.

Taylor led CNU with 27 points with a 17-for-18 performance at the free throw line.

Methodist will be back in action on Monday when they travel to Shenandoah University for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

Box Score