August 10, 2012

Carson-Newman Men’s Basketball unveils 2012-2013 schedule

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – A challenging campaign awaits the Carson-Newman men’s basketball team with four NCAA tournament participants lining the road in 2012-2013. Nonconference foe Columbus State and conference opponents Lincoln Memorial, Anderson (S.C.) and Wingate all made the tournament last season.

For an interview with head men's basketball coach Chuck Benson, click here.

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – A challenging campaign awaits the Carson-Newman men's basketball team with four NCAA tournament participants lining the road in 2012-2013.

Nonconference foe Columbus State and conference opponents Lincoln Memorial, Anderson (S.C.) and Wingate all made the tournament last season.

Head coach Chuck Benson says the schedule sets up to give the Eagles a crack at postseason play.

"We're looking to be challenged." Benson said. "We're trying to find our place near the top of this thing this coming season."

Carson-Newman opens up the year with a couple exhibition contests at Division I foes East Tennessee State (November 3) and Appalachian State (November 5).

"We want to see exactly how our guys respond in that environment," Benson said. "It doesn't count in terms of win or loss, but it's still a good test before we open up regular season play."

A weekend trip to the Tusculum Classic on November 16-17 gives the Eagles their first taste of a postseason opponent in Columbus State.

"We wanted to get our kids against opponents that have seen their fair share of post season play," Benson said. "Columbus State has historically been a team that represents the Peach Belt in the NCAA tournament. They're a highly respected team in our region. Getting that early we hope will shape our team headed into conference play."

The Eagles will be attempting to improve on a 15-14 record in 2011-2012 with an 8-10 mark in conference play. Included in those eight wins are two victories over a nationally ranked Lincoln Memorial squad that also made the NCAA tournament.

Benson said while Eagle fans should come to as many games as they can, the Lincoln Memorial contest on January 23 will be can't-miss theater.

"The success we had last year against LMU…I would think that game would have quite a bit of juice behind it," Benson said. "When we host Lincoln Memorial, that might be the game to see."

C-N finished in a three-way tie for fifth with Lenoir-Rhyne and Tusculum in SAC play last season. For season ticket information, call 865-471-3396.

Date	Opponent	Notes	Time
Nov 3, 2012	at East Tenn. St.	Exhibition	4:00 PM
Nov 5, 2012	at Appalachian St.	Exhibition	7:00 PM
Nov 12, 2012	at Lees-McRae		7:00 PM
Nov 16, 2012	vs. Columbus St. @ Greeneville, TN		6:00 PM
Nov 17, 2012	vs. Cincinnati Christian Col. @ Greeneville, TN		2:00 PM
Nov 21, 2012	Hiwassee		7:00 PM
Nov 28, 2012	Brevard *		8:00 PM
Dec 1, 2012	at Lenoir-Rhyne *		6:00 PM
Dec 13, 2012	at Hiwassee		7:00 PM
Dec 15, 2012	Milligan		2:00 PM
Dec 18, 2012	Queens (N.C.)		7:00 PM
Jan 5, 2013	at Queens (N.C.)		2:00 PM
Jan 9, 2013	at Tusculum *		8:00 PM
Jan 12, 2013	Newberry *		4:00 PM
Jan 16, 2013	at Mars Hill *		8:00 PM
Jan 19, 2013	at Anderson (S.C.) *		4:00 PM
Jan 23, 2013	Lincoln Memorial *		8:00 PM
Jan 26, 2013	Catawba *		4:00 PM
Jan 30, 2013	at Brevard *		8:00 PM
Feb 2, 2013	at Wingate *		4:00 PM
Feb 6, 2013	Tusculum *		8:00 PM
Feb 9, 2013	Lenoir-Rhyne *		4:00 PM
Feb 13, 2013	Mars Hill *		8:00 PM
Feb 16, 2013	at Newberry *		4:00 PM
Feb 20, 2013	at Lincoln Memorial *		8:00 PM
Feb 23, 2013	Anderson (S.C.) *		4:00 PM
Feb 27, 2013	at Catawba *		8:00 PM
Mar 2, 2013	Wingate *		4:00 PM