NORFOLK, Va. -- In what proves to be one of the biggest games of the season for Christopher Newport, the stage is set for a much bigger meaning than just basketball. This Saturday evening, the Captains (16-3) will take on fifth-ranked Virginia Wesleyan (15-2) on a neutral site in the Ted Constant Convocation Center on the campus of Old Dominion University as a part of the Hampton Roads Coaches vs Cancer Doubleheader. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds are being donated to cancer research.

The event will feature a sold-out game between Division I programs William & Mary and Old Dominion beginning at 4:00 pm, followed immediately by the Division III showdown between CNU and VWC at approximately 6:30 pm. Students with a valid ID will be admitted to the second game for $1, and all other tickets will be $5. The tickets will be cash only.

The Hampton Roads Coaches vs. Cancer Doubleheader is part of the Suits & Sneakers cancer awareness initiative that is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the battle against cancer.

That said, the game also holds significant weight as an on-court battle as well. The Captains and Marlins are very familiar with eachother, playing one of the longest standing series in program history. The Captains own a 45-33 edge in the all-time series, but Virginia Wesleyan has won nine straight dating back to the 2001-02 season. The Marlins were picked as preseason number one in the national rankings and have been ranked in the top five all season long. CNU is riding a 12-game winning streak and boasts one of the nation's top records at 16-3 overall this season.

Leading the way offensively for the Captains is senior Conley Taylor, averaging 20.8 points per game. Five different players are in double figures for CNU, including freshmen Mike Cherry and Nik Biberaj, both starting in their first year. Cherry, a point guard, is knocking down 1.7 three-pointers per game and Biberaj is the team's second leading rebounder with 6.5 boards per game.

Virginia Wesleyan, like the Captains, features a high-octane offense with four players in double figures. D.J. Woodmore, a sophomore guard, is pouring in 17.8 points per game to lead the squad, while senior forward Donald Vaughn averages 13.9 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game.

The game will tip at approximately 6:30 pm, or 30 minutes following the conclusion of the first game between Old Dominion and William & Mary. Those with tickets to the opening game are encouraged to stay for the second game free of charge, but Virginia Wesleyan and Christopher Newport fans without tickets to the first game will NOT be admitted early, due to the fact that the earlier game is sold out. Tickets will be sold, cash only, immediately following the conclusion of the first game and all tickets are General Admission.