UNC Wilmington will be looking to extend its nine-game winning streak when it travels to Monmouth on Wednesday evening. The Seahawks lost three of their first four games, but they have won nine in a row since then. Monmouth has been one of the worst teams in college basketball this season, dropping 12 of its 13 games.
UNC Wilmington got off to a slow start against some quality teams early in the season, losing to then-No. 1 North Carolina, Oklahoma and then-No. 25 Connecticut. The Seahawks have responded with an impressive nine-game winning streak since then, although they have not played a power-conference team during that stretch. They have faced some solid teams though, with four of their wins coming in upset fashion. UNC Wilmington was a 6-point underdog in its win over Missouri State and it was a 9-point underdog in its win against North Texas. The Seahawks have been favored in each of their last four wins, covering the spread in three of them. Their 85-82 win over High Point as 6.5-point favorites was the only game during their winning streak that they have not covered the spread.
Seahawks Visit New Jersey For CAA Opener https://t.co/tgPsKSuDBX
— UNCW Basketbal l (@uncwmenshoops) December 27, 2022
They have had a ton of success despite not being a great shooting team, ranked No. 273 of 363 teams in effective field goal percentage (47.6). Their low turnover rate has allowed them to finish most of their possessions with shot attempts, though. They should be able to improve their shooting numbers against a Monmouth defense that is No. 361 in defensive field goal percentage (59.5). Sophomore forward Trazarien White leads UNC Wilmington with 13.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while senior guard Shykeim Phillips is adding 10.7 points. Monmouth’s strength defensively has been forcing turnovers, as it is No. 102 nationally in defensive turnover rate.