Virginia Wesleyan set to splash in a really big pond

Virginia Wesleyan is guaranteed to make at least one visit per season to a "big" arena - the 7,000-seat Salem (Va.) Civic Center, home of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament.

In many years, such as this one, the Marlins can realistically aspire to playing there twice. Salem also hosts the NCAA Division III men's basketball championship.

"That's the ultimate goal," sophomore guard DJ Woodmore said. "That's the only way we can hang a banner."

The Marlins, ranked No. 5 in the nation, get a chance to play in another larger-than-usual venue today, when they meet rival Christopher Newport at the Constant Center.

The game is a benefit for the Hampton Roads Chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer. Part of a doubleheader, it will tip off about 30 minutes after the conclusion of Old Dominion's game against William and Mary (which starts at 4 p.m.).

"Our kids are excited," Wesleyan coach Dave Macedo said. "They get a chance to play in a different arena, and if a good portion of people stick around and want to see a good brand of Division III basketball, that would be great."

Fans at the first game can stay for the second free of charge. Tickets are $5 for those who want to watch only the second game and will go on sale in the Constant Center lobby after the first game, said Shanette Alston, ODU's assistant director of athletic ticketing.

CNU coach John Krikorian, who was an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania, said the concept is modeled after successful double- and triple-header benefit games played in Philadelphia.

"Everybody thought it was a good idea and kind of forged ahead," he said. "We're grateful to ODU for hosting."

CNU and Wesleyan have met annually since 1967-68, usually early in the season. Each had to make concessions to schedule the game. The Captains gave up a home date. Wesleyan moved a scheduled game at Washington and Lee to Monday, creating a stretch of five games in 10 days.

The Marlins (15-2), who won a national title in 2006 and were runners-up in 2007, began the season ranked No. 1 in the nation. They lost their season opener, then won 13 straight before losing at home to Guilford last Saturday. They're considered one of Division III's deepest and most athletic teams.

"When it looks good, it can look really good for us, when we have high energy, and are out to prove something, when our chemistry's clicking," Macedo said. "We still need to get better, and this is the time of year we need to start."

CNU (16-3) has not lost since Dec. 1, winning 12 straight, a surprising run in Krikorian's second year as coach.

Wesleyan has won nine straight in the series.

"It's going to be fun," said Woodmore, a Landstown High graduate who is the Marlins' leading scorer. "They're our biggest rival, and the cause itself is one that motivates the team."

Ed Miller, 757-446-2372, ed.miller@pilotonline.com