NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The rivalry between Christopher Newport and Virginia Wesleyan dates back to the very first season of CNU men's basketball, the 1967-68 campaign, when the Captains beat the Marlins twice. Monday night in Virginia Beach, the rivalry will be renewed as the schools meet for the 85th time on the hardwood. Tipoff time is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Batten Center.

John Krikorian's squad is 6-2 and the Captains have been off for the last week during final exams. CNU defeated Wesley last Sunday by an 83-69 final score at the Freeman Center. The victory improved CNU's record in the Capital Athletic Conference to 3-1. Senior Marcus Carter returned to the lineup after missing six games due to an ankle injury, and his impact was felt immediately. Carter tallied a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the triumph.

Senior Aaron McFarland is leading the CNU attack this season, and is averaging 20.7 points per game. Fellow senior Spencer Marin is next in line, posting an average of 13.4 points per game and is leading the squad in rebounds per game with 8.1.

The Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan University are 8-1 on the season heading into Monday night's tilt. Dave Macedo's squad has also been off for just over a week, and last played on Saturday, December 9th, defeating Roanoke in Virginia Beach, 58-55. VWU's only loss of the season came on December 6th, a 63-59 home defeat at the hands of Averett University.

Christopher Newport leads the long-running series with Virginia Wesleyan, 48-36. CNU has captured the last two games in the series, including an 86-75 victory on New Year's Day last season at the Freeman Center. McFarland led the Captains in last year's win, scoring a career-high 27 points. Carter posted 19 points last year vs. the Marlins.

Monday night's non-conference game will be the final game before the holidays for the Captains, who will return to action on December 29th vs. Shenandoah in the Captains Shootout at the Freeman Center.

The game will be broadcast live on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM) with the pre-game show beginning at 6:40 p.m.