For immediate release - 12/17/2010 -#168
Lynchburg Falls in OT to Christopher Newport

LYNCHBURG, VA - The Lynchburg College men's basketball team fell in overtime to Christopher Newport University by a score of 82-77 in Turner Gym in non-conference play.

Despite a double-double from sophomore Austin Chillemi (Pictured - East Stroudsburg, PA/Stroudsburg), the Hornets could not hold on to a six point lead with less than 2:20 left in the game. Chillemi put up 16 points and had 10 boards while adding four assists and two blocks. Junior Nate Campbell (Cary, NC/Cary) also added 16 points and six rebounds.

CNU's Conley Taylor led all shooters with 28 points, eight rebounds and went 12-13 from the free throw line.

Lynchburg led as much as nine in the first half and closed it out going to halftime with a 36-30 lead. Benefitting from a three-pointer from sophomore Michael Glover (Verona, VA/Spotswood), the Hornets opened a 55-47 lead at the 9:59 mark in the second half.

The Captains however, stormed back after being down by 12 at the 4:46 mark. Christopher Newport's Paul Merdith nailed a three-pointer to pull within one point at 66-65 with just 1:08 left. After both teams traded buckets, CNU went up 70-68 after a shot from Tra Benefield with :17 left on the clock. Lynchburg sophomore guard Brandon Connor (Chesterfield, VA/Benedictine) tied the game just 10 seconds later to send it to overtime. Connor finished with nine points, six boards and four steals.

CNU (5-3) pulled ahead for good in the overtime period due to the efforts of Meredith, leading the way towards an 82-77 victory.

Hornet freshman guard Andrew Simmons came off the bench, going 3-4 with nine points and four rebounds. Meredith finished the contest with 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.

Lynchburg (5-6) will head to winter break before hosting Virginia Wesleyan in Turner Gym on Jan. 2 at 2 p.m.

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