NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- In a preview of 2012-13 USA South Conference action, the Christopher Newport University men's basketball team will return to action this weekend against future conference opponents Piedmont College & LaGrange College. CNU will take on Piedmont Friday at 1:00 pm, followed by a 2:00 pm tip against LaGrange on Sunday afternoon.

Piedmont and LaGrange are set to join the USA South in the '12-13 academic year, while Maryville College (Tenn.) will also be added as a full-time member. This will be first time CNU has faced LaGrange and the third all-time matchup against Piedmont (1-1).

The Captains are coming off a two-week hiatus since their last game against St. Mary's (Md.), a tough 85-77 setback that dropped CNU to 4-3 overall this year. CNU has been led by senior Conley Taylor with 20.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while sophomore Tra Benefield is right behind with 17.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Junior transfer Luc Atangana leads the team in rebounding with 7.1 per game, while also chipping in 10.0 points per game.

The Piedmont Lions are just 2-5 overall this season with both wins coming at home. Jessie Jenkins leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 15.7 and 8.0 respectively. The Lions are coming off an 80-72 setback to Ferrum College.

The Panthers of LaGrange College are 3-7 overall with a game against Millsaps on Friday evening. Sophomore center Joey Anderkavich leads the way with 14.6 points per game and has started all 10 contests for the Panthers. As a team, LaGrange is shooting over 47% from the field.

The game will be broadcast live at Xtra 99.1 FM on the CNU/Pepsi Radio Network. You can also listen live at CNUsports.com. Live stats will also be available:

Captains Sports Live - AUDIO
Piedmont Live Stats
LaGrange Live Stats