NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- On the first day of classes for the spring semester, both Christopher Newport University basketball teams are in action at home in the Freeman Center. The doubleheader will tip off at 5:30 pm as the CNU women's team takes on Averett University (8-4, 4-1), followed immediately by the men's game featuring CNU and Methodist University (3-11, 0-2).

First, the women's team, riding a four-game winning streak and sporting a 9-3 record overall this season, will take on an Averett University squad who is 4-1 in USA South action. The Cougars, in their first season under the direction of head coach Liz Hickey, have won three of their last four games, including a 50-45 win over Methodist. Senior forward Kyana Smith is averaging a double-double for Averett, pouring in 12.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game so far this season. CNU has been led by this week's USA South Player of the Week, Tia Perry, with 12.6 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game.

Tipping at approximately 7:30 pm will be the Captains men's team, riding a season-best six game winning streak. The Captains have surged to a 10-3 start and are receiving votes in the D3hoops.com National Rankings. Led by USA South Player of the Week Tra Benefield, CNU opened conference play 2-0 last week with wins on the road at Methodist and N.C. Wesleyan. Now, the Monarchs quickly make the return trip to Newport News looking to avenge the loss from last week. CNU pulled out a narrow 80-75 victory on the road, with Benefield notching a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. James Whitehead leads the Monarchs with 16.5 points per game so far this season.

The games are free to students with a valid CNU ID, and the first 200 students will receive a raffle ticket entered to win a 32-inch HD TV. Both games will be presented in a live video webcast at CNUsports.com and live stats will also be available at the start of each game.