Charlotte, N.C.- In its first head-to-head matchup in program history, the Denison men's basketball team falls to Christopher Newport University 79-73 to close out its weekend at the Jay Bilas Classic. The Big Red drops to 6-4 for the season, while the Captains improve to 9-3 overall.

First Half: Denison hit the ground running following its game one loss to TCNJ, holding a tightly contested 10-8 lead four minutes into the game. After a scoreless minute of play, Denison's Owen Giannoulias jump-started a 10-2 run to put the Big Red up by as much as 12 with just over 12 minutes left in the half. For six minutes, Denison would hold the lead over the Captains thanks to back-to-back three pointers by Aidan King and Nick Heath, and a strong finish at the basket by Luke Salkowski. Unfortunately for the Big Red in the final minutes of the first half, CNU managed to shut down play around the arc, and momentum quickly shifted in favor of CNU, resulting in a five-point lead over Denison heading into halftime.

Second Half: The Captains were able to build on their first-half momentum, extending their lead to 11 three minutes into the second half. Kellon Smith would eventually stop the Big Red's point drought with a layup, followed by a quick three by Giannoulias off a turnover to get within six. Much like their game against the Lions, Denison fought to stay within two possessions of the Captains. Despite their continued efforts to regain the lead, late fouls and CNU's ability to go 10 for 12 at the free throw line ultimately kept another late comeback at bay.

Team Highlights:

• Kellon Smith pushed Denison's offense against CNU, putting up 19 points for the day.

• Nick Heath was the Big Red's second leading scorer with 13 points. 

• Luke Salkowski led the team in rebounds with eight rebounds, while also putting up five points. 

• Leading the team with three steals and three assists was Jack Steinbach, who finished the day with nine points.

Up Next: 

The Big Red will enjoy a short Holiday break before traveling to Delaware, Ohio, to take on Ohio Wesleyan University on Wednesday, December 31, at 2 p.m.