Hofstra and UNCW battle for second place in the CAA as both teams come in this matchup at 5-2, behind 7-0 Charleston. The Pride (12-8 SU, 10-9 ATS) will host the Seahawks (15-5 SU, 11-6-1 ATS) on Thursday night from Hempstead, Long Island at 7pmET.
Last season, these teams split both games with UNCW covering both games.
UNCW (135 KenPom) was one of the hottest teams in the nation after winning 13 straight games, but they were the forgotten son of the CAA, because Charleston has won 18 straight games and is ranked in 18th in the nation. After beating North Carolina A&T on Jan. 7 66-61, the Seahawks lost at home to Charleston 71-69 in one of the games of the year in the Colonial and probably due to the disappointment of the defeat, were shocked by William & Mary 69-67 at home as a 12-point favorite. Good teams bounce back from those type of losses and UNCW did in a 62-54 win over Elon on Monday at home. It wasn't a pretty performance against one of the worst teams in the CAA, who is 2-17 on the season. The Seahawks shot just 33% from the field and 28% (8-of-29) from beyond the arc. Amari Kelly led the Seahawks with 13 pints and 14 rebounds with two blocks.
Maleeck Har den-Hayes wins the #CAATopPlays fan vote!
Let's take another look at this one ????#CAAHoops x @uncwmenshoops pic.twitter.com/mfy02a52yS
— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) January 18, 2023
UNCW is averaging 70.9 points per game on 44.7% shooting and 33.4% from beyond the arc. They are allowing just 63.2 points per game (37th) on 41.5% shooting and just 30.4% (55th) from long range. UNCW thrives in turnover margin at +2.15 to rank first in the CAA. They rank fifth in rebounding margin at +2.55 and first in three-point defense. They also rank first in the CAA in turnover margin at +2.15.
Trazarien White leads the Seahawks with 14.2 points per game and 6.0 rebounds on 48% shooting (31.1% 3pt) and is the only player who averages in double figures.