NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 2012-13 Christopher Newport University men's basketball season is all set to begin on Thursday, as the Captains play host to a regional showdown against the nationally-ranked Randolph-Macon College Yellow Jackets in the season opener. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm at the Freeman Center, with live stats and live video available at CNUsports.com. 

CNU, coming off of a 23-5 season with a perfect USA South season and NCAA Tournament appearance, will return three starters in 12-13, led by junior Tra Benefield. The All-Conference wing player averaged nearly 16 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, while a pair of sophomores return after stellar rookie years. USA South Rookie of the Year Mike Cherry and frontcourt classmate Nik Biberaj each earned All-Conference honors after averaging double figure scoring in their freshmen campaigns. 

Head coach John Krikorian, the USA South Coach of the Year in 11-12, has put together a tough schedule for the Captains this year, starting with the battle against R-MC. The Yellow Jackets were picked to finish third in the competitive Old Dominion Athletic Conference after going 21-7 a year ago. The team will return three starters: All-ODAC Second Team forward Lamar Giggetts, Marcus Badger and Dylan Cole. Andre Simon also returns for the Yellow Jackets after averaging 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season.

Head coach Nathan Davis, in his fourth year at the helm, returns 11 players from the squad that reached the NCAA Tournament with an at-large team last year. Last season, the two teams faced off in the season opener in Ashland, with Randolph-Macon holding off the visiting Captains, 90-88 for the win. R-MC holds an 18-3 advantage in the all-time series. 

The game will be broadcast live on the CNU/Pepsi Radio Network on 99.1 FM and on the internet as part of a live video webcast at CNUsports.com/LIVE. Live stats will also be available.