NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Christopher Newport University jumped out to an early lead and never looked back en route to a 107-79 USA South Athletic Conference men's basketball win over Ferrum College this afternoon at the Freeman Center.

The Captains led 48-34 at halftime and built the lead to 20 points midway through the second half on a Mike Cherry layup to put his team up 71-51.  Cherry, who led the Captains with 24 points, was one of five CNU starters who reached double-figure scoring.

Marcus Mayo led Ferrum with 26 points and nine rebounds.  Maleek Myers had 16 points and Nick English had 13.  The Panthers shot just under 38% from the floor for the game, compared to almost 61% for Christopher Newport.

CNU got 21 points from Tra Benfield, and 13 points each from Nic Biberaj and Conley Taylor.  Biberaj added six blocked shots to his stat line.  Luc Atangana had a 12-point, 14-rebound effort for the Captains (12-3, 4-0 USA South).

Ferrum (9-6, 2-2 USA South) returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Methodist University.  The UUSA South game tips off at 7:30 p.m. in Fayetteville, N.C.