The Pioneer men's basketball team topped the Christopher Newport University Captains, 85-79, on Saturday, December 27, in their first game of the Cactus Jam Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona (boxscore). The Pioneers, who have not played since their loss to NCAA Division I Portland State University on December 9, are now back to play within their division.

The first 20 minutes were played even on both ends, finishing first half play tied at 30-30. Shooting just 33.3% from the floor, it was the Pioneers' three-point shooting that kept them alive, going 7-15 from beyond the arc in the first half.

Fortunately, the Pioneers were able to find their groove early in the second half, with an improved shooting percentage of 64.7% from the floor. Despite going just 13.3% from three-point range in the second half, the Pioneers outscored the Captains 45-38.

Tyson Papenfuss (Sr., Clackamas, Ore.) led the Pioneers with 20 points, going 9-15 from the floor, and grabbing 6 rebounds. James Hollins (Fr., Phoenix, Ariz.), who is playing in front of his home crowd this weekend as a Phoenix native, had another solid offensive performance, scoring 19 points, including 11 from the free throw line. Josh Kollasch (Jr., Tucson, Ariz.), also in his home state this weekend, added 13 points, six assists and three steals. David Berggren (Sr., Tualatin, Ore.) contributed 10 points.

The Pioneers enter their second round game of the Cactus Jam on Monday, December 29, when they take on the Old Westbury Panthers of New York. With the win, they stand at 5-2 overall.