The UNC Wilmington Seahawks, led by Nolan Hodge's 16 points, controlled the tempo from the outset, taking a 36-31 lead into halftime against the Monmouth Hawks at Trask Coliseum. Monmouth's Kavion McClain kept his team within striking distance, scoring 14 of his 27 points in the first half. The Seahawks' ability to limit McClain's supporting cast, holding them to a combined 17 points in the first half, was crucial in establishing their early advantage. Over their last 5 games, UNC Wilmington has averaged 74.2 points per game, while allowing 68.4 points per contest, a trend that continued in this matchup.
As the second half unfolded, UNC Wilmington's Patrick Wessler and Noah Ross joined Hodge in double figures, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively. Wessler also grabbed 12 rebounds, helping the Seahawks maintain a significant advantage on the glass, outrebounding Monmouth 42-35. Monmouth, meanwhile, relied heavily on McClain, who scored 13 second-half points, but received limited support from his teammates, with Stefanos Spartalis adding 8 points and 5 rebounds in the half. The Seahawks' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures, was a key factor in their 43-38 edge in the second half.
Monmouth's Kavion McClain Scores 27 Points in Loss to UNC Wilmington
Beyond the stat line, it was clear that Hodge and Wessler were the catalysts for UNC Wilmington's victory. Hodge hit several big shots, including a pair of three-pointers in the second half, to help the Seahawks maintain their lead. Wessler, meanwhile, did the dirty work, grabbing crucial rebounds and playing tenacious defense on McClain. For Monmouth, McClain's 27 points were impressive, but the lack of production from his supporting cast was a major factor in the Hawks' defeat. Spartalis, who finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, was a bright spot for Monmouth, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Seahawks' balanced attack.
The CHD Scout prediction of a 76-67 UNC Wilmington victory, with a predicted margin of 8.9 points, ultimately proved accurate, as the Seahawks won 79-69.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The prediction was correct because UNC Wilmington's defense was able to limit Monmouth's supporting cast, holding them to 42% shooting from the field, while the Seahawks shot 46% from the field, including 40% from three-point range. The Seahawks' ability to control the tempo and limit Monmouth's transition opportunities also played a significant role in the outcome. Over their last 5 games, Monmouth has averaged 76.2 points per game, but the Seahawks' defense held them to 69 points, 7 points below their average.
As the game wore on, it became clear that UNC Wilmington's victory was not only a reflection of their balanced attack but also a significant step forward in their tournament aspirations. With this win, the Seahawks improved to 23-4, with a 4-1 record over their last 5 games, outscoring opponents by an average of 5.8 points per contest. Monmouth, meanwhile, fell to 14-13, with a 4-1 record over their last 5 games, but their loss to UNC Wilmington was a significant setback in their bid to improve their tournament resume.
This victory is a significant boost to UNC Wilmington's tournament resume, as they improved their NET ranking to 96, while Monmouth's loss dropped them to 195. The Seahawks' win also marked their 4th quad 4 victory of the season, a significant achievement given the challenges of playing on the road against quality opponents. For Monmouth, the loss was a missed opportunity to improve their tournament standing, as they fell to 1-4 against quad 1 and 2 opponents. The Hawks must regroup and focus on their remaining games if they hope to make a push for the tournament.
In the end, UNC Wilmington's 79-69 victory over Monmouth was a significant step forward for the Seahawks, as they continued to build momentum with their 4-1 record over their last 5 games. With their balanced attack and tenacious defense, the Seahawks are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. For Monmouth, the loss was a setback, but they want to regroup and make a push for the tournament with their remaining games. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will be focused on making a strong finish, with UNC Wilmington looking to solidify their tournament seeding and Monmouth hoping to play their way into the tournament conversation.