FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Christopher Newport University men's basketball team will open league play tonight as the Captains travel to face Methodist University at 7:00 pm. It will be the first time in ten seasons that CNU opens conference action with anyone other than Shenandoah.

The Captains (8-3, 0-0) have won four straight and six of their last seven games, with their only loss coming to nationally ranked St. Mary's (Md.). Led by senior guard Conley Taylor and sophomore Tra Benefield, the Captains offense is one of the best in the nation so far this season. CNU is averaging 81.9 points per game and has scored over 90 three times this season.

Taylor is averaging 21.9 points per game, while also grabbing 5.6 rebounds and leading the team in steals with 21. Benefield is second on the team in points and rebounding, averaging 15.4 points and 6.2 boards per game. Rookie center Nik Biberaj leads the team on the glass with 6.4 rebounds per game.

The Monarchs are 3-9 overall and are riding a six-game losing streak heading into the Wednesday night tilt, all away from home. Tonight's game is just the third home game of the season for Methodist, after winning the first two in the Riddle Center vs. Hampden-Sydney and Piedmont. James Whitehead and Mark Jernigan are leading the team so far this season, with 17.2 and 14.1 points per game, respectively. Whitehead is shooting .479 from beyond the arc, knocking down 23 three-pointers through the first 11 games this season.

CNU has won five straight against the Monarchs, and hold a 60-25 all-time advantage in the series. The game will be available in a live video webcast and live stats will also be available at tip.