CHESTER, Pa. - Christopher Newport University opened the 2024 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament with a 79-59 victory over Hobart College (NY) Friday night at the Schwartz Athletic Center on the Widener University campus. The Captains now advance to play the host school, Widener, in the second round Saturday night at 7:40 p.m.

Fifth-year senior Jake Latta led the way with a career-high 21 points, and also pulled down seven rebounds. Freshman Toa Hollenebck scored 17 points, and fellow freshman Isaiah Dozier matched his career-high of 12 points, with nine coming in the opening half. Senior All-American Jahn Hines registered eight points, and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

"I couldn't be prouder of my guys," Head Coach John Krikorian said following the victory. "I thought we really stepped up and defended and rebounded the way we know we can. We got out in transition, and when we had opportunities to make a run, we did. I can't say enough about Jake Latta, a fifth-year senior, who made the most of his opportunity on a big stage like this, and came through for us in a big way. Also Ian Anderson, who came back from an injury, and really gave us so much tonight. It's great to see those guys have that success in a big game like this."

Anderson, another fifth-year senior, returned to the lineup and registered six points and eight rebounds, as the Captains out-rebounded Hobart, 47-35.

CNU, now 22-6 on the year, never trailed in the game. Christopher Newport, the defending National Champions, held a 33-26 advantage at halftime, and then out-scored the Statesmen in the second half, 46-33, for the 20-point final verdict. Hobart finishes the year with a 22-6 mark, and got as close as one in the opening half, 27-26, but failed to tie or take the lead.

CNU and Hobart met for the first time ever, and the Statesmen were led by 14 points from junior Aiden Rodgers. 

The Captains, who have now won seven straight NCAA tournament games, will play the Pride of Widener University Saturday night with tip off set for 7:40 p.m. Widener is 24-4 after beating Roger Williams, 101-70, in the opening round on Friday night.

The winner of Saturday's game will advance to the Sweet 16 of the 64-team tournament.