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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- In what could be considered his first day on the job, Christopher Newport University's new head coach John Krikorian had to stay late. He was rewarded, though, as he guided the Captains to a season-opening double-overtime victory over Lynchburg College (0-2), 108-100. Junior guard Conley Taylor led all scorers with 31 points and added eight boards, four assists and a pair of steals in the win.

Krikorian and the Captains went down early to the Hornets, who went up by as many as ten in the opening stanza. Christopher Newport battled back from the deficit, cutting the lead to just two with 3:33 remaining on a Will Clarkson jumper. Lynchburg surged ahead again, though, and went into the break up by seven, 41-34.

In the second half, Taylor put the Captains on his shoulders, scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a coast-to-coast layup in the final minute to tie the game and force overtime. He also had a steal and an open-court layup to pull CNU within two late.

CNU looked to have it won in the first overtime, as newcomer Tra Benefield sank a 3-ball from the corner with nine seconds remaining to pull ahead by two, 90-88. The Captains defense held up, and Clarkson added one of two free throws to give CNU a three-point edge with 1.4 seconds remaining. Then, Andrew Simmons heaved a pass to the left wing, where Michael Wims turned and drained a three-pointer of his own to force double overtime.

Despite the drama and potentially momentum-shifting three, the Captains came out in the second overtime and dominated the Lynchburg Hornets, scoring 17 points in the five minutes of extra time to win, 108-100. Rookie Alex Granger knocked down a big three-pointer on a second chance opportunity, and then added a pair of free-throws to lead the way for CNU in the second overtime.

In the game, Taylor had a game-high 31 points to lead the way, while CNU had four other players in double figures. Benefield had 17 in his collegiate debut, while senior Mike Green and Clarkson each added 16, while Jake Capin had 11. Clarkson had a double-double, while hauling in a team-high 11 boards.

Lynchburg was led by Nate Campbell, scoring 29 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Michael Glover also had 18 points, while Wims finished with 17. Andrew Simmons was also in double figures with 11 points for the Hornets.

Both teams will return to action at the Freeman Center tomorrow as a part of the Beck Company Classic. Lynchburg will face Mary Washington at 5:30, followed by the Captains taking on St. John Fisher at 7:30 pm.