Women's Basketball Game Notes
Men's Basketball Game Notes

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- This weekend, the Christopher Newport basketball teams will open the Capital Athletic Conference portion of the 2015-16 schedule, hosting Frostburg State University in a doubleheader on Sunday, November 29 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. The women's team will open up the action at the Freeman Center first, with live stats and a live video webcast available at CNUsports.com/live, followed immediately by the men's matchup broadcast live on Xtra 99.1 FM, the CNU/Pepsi Radio Network.

Both CNU programs are off to hot starts this season, combining to win the first seven games of the year. The women's team, under the direction of fourth-year head coach Bill Broderick, are off to a 4-0 start for the eighth time in program history and the first time since 2012. The men, led by John Krikorian in his sixth season, are 3-0 after three straight wins over the Old Dominion Athletic Conference to start the year. 

On the women's side, Christopher Newport has featured a stellar defensive unit that has forced 119 turnovers in four games for an average of over 29 per contest. With 77 steals, the Captains are averaging over 19 per game, ranking fourth nationally, led by sophomore Sam Porter with 4.0 per game. Porter is also the team's offensive leader, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Anitra Thomas is also averaging double figures, scoring 11.7 points per game as one of the hottest shooters in the nation to start the year. She has knocked down 12 of her first 16 attempts from the field, including a 7-for-9 effort from long range, ranking eighth nationally. 

Play has been dominated by the sophomore class, as all five starters are in their second season, as are Jasmine Bonivel, the team's leading rebounder, and Thomas off the bench. The young team also features a solid rookie group, including point guard Zhara Tannor. Tannor has nine assists and eight steals in relief of Makenzie Fancher, who leads the team with 16 assists. 

The Captains will be facing a Frostburg State squad under the direction of second-year head coach Carrie Saunders. Picked tenth in the CAC Preseason Coaches Poll, the Bobcats are just 1-4 to start the season, coming offf a hard-fought four-point loss to Mt. Aloysius. Kirsten Rayner is the team's leader with 13.4 points per game, while also collecting eight rebounds per contest. Also a young team, Courtney Young is the lone senior for Saunders. Young is the second leading rebounder, with 5.6 boards per game, and scorer, with 9.6 points per game. 

Immediately following the women's contest, the CNU men will look to get off on the right foot in conference play. Sophomores Marcus Carter and Aaron McFarland have been impressive in the early going, while junior Tim Daly has continued his strong career with a good start to his third campaign. All three are averaging double figures, with Carter's 16 points per game leading the way. Carter also leads the team in rebounding, at 7.7 rpg, while Daly is second with 5.7 rpg. McFarland is pouring in 12.3 points per game, coming off a 19-point effort against Randolph-Macon. 

CNU has showcased tremendous depth in the early going this season, including sharp-shooting from junior Justin Hampton. Hampton has drilled eight of his first 11 tries from long range, for a league-best 72.7%. He ranks eighth nationally in three-point shooting percentage and is knocking down 2.67 per game. Senior Hunter Wetherell has also had an impressive start, shooting 50% from the field while ranking third on the team in rebounding with 5.0 boards per game. 

The Captains will take on a Frostburg State squad that is 1-3 to start the year, including an 84-74 setback against common opponent Randolph-Macon. Head coach Webb Hatch guided the Bobcats to their first win of the year in their last game just before Thanksgiving, picking up a 68-65 victory at Waynesburg. Senior guard Nick Smoot has been one of the league's top scoring threats early this season, averaging 19.5 points per game while knocking down 41.7% of his three-point attempts. Lethal from the free-throw line at 89%, Smoot also leads the team in assists, with 15, and steals, with seven. 

Game times are set for 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Freeman Center in Newport News. Following the conference opener on Sunday, the Captains will also host CAC rival Salisbury University on Wednesday, December 2 at 5:30 and 7:30 pm.