NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Salisbury University men's basketball team was within striking distance throughout its game against Christopher Newport Saturday on the first night of the CNU Classic. The Sea Gulls led early in the second half, after a 10-0 run to open the final 20 minutes of play, but once the Captains took back the lead with just under eight minutes to play, Salisbury could not regain control, falling 71-65.

The Sea Gulls (3-5, 0-2 Capital Athletic Conference) were no more than six points down the rest of the way, but Christopher Newport (4-2) proved to be too strong.

Salisbury was led by senior guard/forward Greg Palmer (Salisbury, Md.), who finished with a game-high 21 points to go with eight rebounds. Palmer was one of four Sea Gulls to finish in double figures, joined by senior guard/forward Drew Dickson (Silver Spring, Md.), who scored a career-high 14 points, while sophomore guard Mike Maczko (Bel Air, Md.) and junior center Chris McGrew (Burtonsville, Md.) each added 10 points.

McGrew pulled down 12 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end, for his first double-double of the season. Senior guard Devin Jones (Severn, Md.) dished out five assists and had three steals for the Sea Gulls.

Salisbury will play one more game at the CNU Classic, Sunday, Dec. 13, when it will take on Maryland Bible College. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.