NEWPORT NEWS, VA—The Highlanders traveled south on Saturday to take on the #9 Captains of Christopher Newport. The Captains secured the 89–82 win over the Highlanders. 

The game opened with both teams exchanging early baskets as Cairn (4–2, United East) worked to settle in against #9 Christopher Newport (3–2, Coast-to-Coast) .The Captains struck first with a jumper, but graduate guard Corey Baldwin (Henderson, NC / Averett) quickly responded in the next possession to tie things up. From there, the teams traded buckets, as graduate guard Jaylon Simpson (Atlanta, GA / Belmont Abbey) continued to set the tone offensively with 2 three-points and a two-point jumper. Graduate guard Chris Hill (Charlotte, NC / Saint Augustine's University) added to the effort, tallying early rebounds and building Cairn's offense as the Highlanders kept the score tight. Despite a late push from CNU, Hill kept the Highlanders within reach with a good jumper and 2 free throws in the final minutes, ending the first half trailing just 39–38. 

The second half opened with the Captains looking to build momentum, and scored the first few baskets of the period. Simpson answered once again with several free throws and a three to swing momentum back toward Cairn. Graduate guard Byron Gaskins (Woodbridge, VA / Carlow University) knocked down a triple and gave Cairn a solid 6-point lead. Fifth year guard Jonathan Desir (Feasterville, PA / Neshaminy) knocked down two threes as Cairn extended their lead to 8. Simpson drilled another deep three, and Gaskins added a tough layup. Senior forward Andre Burrell, Jr. (Philadelphia, PA / Burlington Co. Institute of Technology) contributed inside with a layup. The Captains answered each run with solid buckets to close the gap. Despite Cairn's efforts to hold the lead, CNU was able to push ahead and close out the game with an 89–82 win. 

 Simpson led all scorers with 28 points, including four made threes, while adding 3 rebounds. Gaskins provided 11 points and 5 rebounds while Hill added 10 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. 

The Highlanders will head back home to face off against Centenary University at 7pm on November 25th.