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OSWEGO, NY- For the sixth time in the history of CNU men's basketball, the Captains have reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Christopher Newport has won 19 straight games, has set a school record for wins with a 28-1 record, and is ranked fourth in the country entering Friday's showdown with Keene State (NH). Tipoff time is set for 5:30 p.m. at Oswego State University's Max Ziel Gymnasium.

John Krikorian's team is coming off a 67-64 thriller over NYU last Saturday at the Freeman Center. Keene State is 20-10 on the year and the Owls advanced by beating Middlebury, 74-72, on Saturday. It will be the first meeting ever of the two schools.

Host institution Oswego State (22-8) will take on Wooster of Ohio (23-7) at 7:30 p.m. in Friday's other matchup. The winners of Friday's games will meet on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. for the right to advance to the Final Four in Salem next weekend.

"We're obviously excited to be playing in the Sweet 16," Head Coach John Krikorian said. "We are enjoying the experience. The folks here in Oswego have worked hard and we appreciate all their efforts to host this weekend."

CNU travelled to the Syracuse area Wednesday night and worked out at Oswego on Thursday afternoon. The Captains last played in the Sweet 16 in 2001, winning over St. John's (MN) at the Freeman Center, 71-65. CNU then lost in overtime to William Paterson, 86-75, in the school's only appearance ever in the Elite 8.

CNU is led by sophomore Marcus Carter, the Player of the Year in the Capital Athletic Conference. Carter is averaging 15.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, and posted back-to-back double-doubles last weekend in wins over Lycoming and NYU. He has recorded seven double-doubles this season.

Sophomore Aaron McFarland, a first team All-Conference member, scored 21 points against Lycoming and 19 vs. NYU. CNU's top three-point threat is now averaging 14.1 points per game, and has knocked down 74 of 170 attempts from beyond the arc. His .435 three-point percentage is the highest in a single season in school history.

The Captains have been propelled by stellar defense all season, and CNU is fifth in the nation allowing just 61.3 points per game. Christopher Newport has held its opponent to 60 or fewer points 13 times this season.

The game will be broadcast live on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM) with the pre-game show beginning at 5:10 p.m.