The John Carroll University men's basketball team came up short in the Christopher Newport Invitational championship game against the Captains on Sunday afternoon.

The Blue Streaks were defeated by a final score of 109 to 73, resulting in their first loss of the season (3-1) and first regular-season, nonconference loss since they faced Hope last December.

The opening eight minutes set the tone for the rest of the game. Christopher Newport outscored John Carroll 15-2 during that time, which gave the Captains enough momentum to hold on to their lead and take a nine-point advantage (45-36) at the half.

The second half was more of the same. Christopher Newport outshot John Carroll 64-37, which secured the win for the Captains.

Greg Parella continues to excel offensively for the Blue Streaks. The junior led the team in scoring, recording a career-best for single-game points (25). He also finished the game with a career-high in single-game three pointers (5).

Adam Upperman and Jackson Sartain also combined for 20 points, while Sean Flannery led JCU in both steals (3) and assists (3).   

For his performances this weekend against Thomas More and Christopher Newport, Parella was named to the all-tournament team for the invitational.

John Carroll will head home to University Heights to begin conference play. The Blue Streaks will host the Pioneers of Marietta College on Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m.