The top-seeded Hofstra Pride (24-8, 21-10-0 ATS, 16-2 CAA) cruised into the CAA Tournament semifinals, while the UNC Wilmington Seahawks (23-9, 15-13-2 ATS, 12-6 CAA) needed a comeback to keep their season alive. When these schools met for the only time this season, Hofstra entered as 3.5-point favorites and exited with a 24-point victory that kick-started their current winning streak. Of course, all good things eventually come to an end, and the Seahawks closing the book would be poetic. At 6:00 p.m. EST, both squads will enter Entertainment & Sports Arena, and two hours later, only one will still be preparing for the CAA Tournament Championship Game.
About midway through the second half, the Drexel Dragons had a 12-point lead over the Seahawks. Over the final 12:25 of the game, UNC Wilmington outscored Drexel 28-11. The Seahawks finished the day shooting 54.9%, although they allowed the Dragons to shoot 48.0%. Off the bench, Nick Farrar had a game-high 19 points, matching his season-best which also came in a win over Drexel.
Why not another ?? @nickfarrar15. That's his third of day. He's got 19 points. pic.twitter.com/BntXLCErPR
— UNCW Basketball (@uncwmenshoops) March 5, 2023
UNC Wilmington entered the tournament 171st in KenPom's ratings but has moved up to 168th entering this game. Neutral floors have been friendly to the Seahawks, as they're now 4-0 in those games.
Their defense struggled on Sunday, but they were impressive in the regular season. They ended the season allowing the second-fewest points per game in the CAA and ranking top-25 in three-point percentage against at 30.4%. Foes shot 43.0% against them from the field for the season. The Seahawks put a lot of opposing players at the charity stripe, and that was an issue against Drexel, as the Dragons attempted 23, they just couldn't make many.
Offensively, Sunday's game was well above UNC Wilmington's typical day. The Seahawks finished the year shooting 44.2% from the field and 33.8 % from three. They got to the line frequently though, taking 20.6 trips per game and converting 72.6% of them.
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