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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Christopher Newport University men's basketball team led by as many as eight points and matched Division I Hampton University for much of the game as they impressed in exhibition action Tuesday night. The Captains battled the 2011 MEAC Champion Pirates, falling by just 15 points, 94-79.

The Captains were down just four at the break, 38-34, but a 12-0 run to start the second half helped the Pirates pull away.  Christopher Newport held on for the remainder of the second half, falling behind by no more than 25 in the contest, and rallying to nearly pull back within single digits with just over a minute remaining.

Junior transfer Luc Atangana started in his first appearance for the Captains, after sitting out last season with an injury. He led the way for CNU, just missing a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

After being held to just four points in the first half, sophomore Tra Benefield finished strong with 11 in the second half on 4-of-7 shooting.  He scored 11 of the last 14 points for the Captains, helpinig CNU close within 13 with 1:32 remaining, 89-76, with a long three-ball.

Rookie Corey Cooper also scored in double figures for the Captains, punctuated with a big dunk on the final possession for CNU. Starter Loren Farris chipped in five rebounds, second on the team.

Leading scorer Darrion Pellum was on top of his game in the second half for the Pirates, after CNU held him to just 3-for-14 in the first half. Pellum came out firing, and finished with 33 points, 21 in the second half on 8-of-9 shooting.

The Captains will take the floor for real next Tuesday night, as they travel to Randolph-Macon for an 8:00 pm tip.