The University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks outlasted Campbell University by a 5-point margin, securing a 73-68 victory in their matchup at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. The game was decided by a possession or two, with the Seahawks ultimately emerging on top. Despite being the lower-ranked team, the Seahawks demonstrated their resilience and ability to close out a game against a formidable opponent.
The Seahawks' victory marked a notable upset, considering Campbell University's NET ranking of #205 and UNC Wilmington's #95. The teams exchanged blows throughout the contest, with the Seahawks holding a narrow 36-35 lead at halftime and ultimately taking a 37-33 advantage in the second half. The Seahawks' ability to maintain their lead down the stretch proved to be the difference-maker in the game.
Jahnathan Lamothe led the Seahawks with 17 points, shooting 62.5% from the field and 57.1% from three-point range. His efficiency was a key factor in UNC Wilmington's victory, as he made four of his five two-point attempts and four of his seven three-point attempts. Lamothe also contributed with three rebounds and two assists, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset.
Christian May provided a supporting scoring punch with 13 points, while Patrick Wessler dominated the glass with 14 rebounds. Wessler's rebounding effort was particularly notable, as he more than doubled the team's total rebound margin. He also added 11 points, three assists, and two blocks, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Wessler's free throw shooting was 50%, which is a notable aspect of his performance.
Chris Fields Jr. led the charge for Campbell, notching 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field and 5-of-9 from the free-throw line. His 6 rebounds were a respectable contribution, but ultimately, his scoring output fell just short of what his team needed to secure a victory. Despite his impressive shooting from the charity stripe, Fields' inability to generate assists and contribute in other facets of the game limited Campbell's chances.
DJ Smith struggled to find his rhythm, connecting on just 3 of 15 field goal attempts and 2 of 8 three-pointers. His 4 made free throws were a bright spot, but it was not enough to offset his overall poor shooting night. Smith's 12 points were a decent output, but his struggles from the field and three-point line hindered Campbell's ability to mount a comeback. Cam Gregory, meanwhile, managed to find some success in the paint, scoring 11 points on 3-of-7 shooting and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it was not enough to swing the outcome in Campbell's favor.
The remaining players on both teams largely adhered to their season averages, with no notable deviations.
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Final
While the pre-game prediction of a 12.3-point victory for UNC Wilmington ultimately proved correct, the final margin of five points was a more competitive affair than many anticipated. The Seawolves' 68 points, in particular, were a testament to their ability to adapt and maintain a level of efficiency despite the presence of a stout Campbell defense.
A closer examination of the game's deciding factors reveals that Campbell's superior shooting efficiency and three-point prowess played a significant role in their narrow victory. The Camels' 41.2% three-point shooting clip, a stark improvement from their season average of 32.4%, allowed them to stay afloat and ultimately outlast the Seawolves. Additionally, Campbell's rebounding woes, which have plagued them all season, were mitigated by UNC Wilmington's struggles on the glass, with the Seawolves failing to capitalize on their advantage in rebounding rate.
The outcome of this game has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament resumes. For UNC Wilmington, the victory maintains its Quad 1-0 record, a crucial indicator of strength, and its NET ranking remains relatively stable. This result will likely solidify the Seahawks' position as a potential No. 12 or No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament, providing them with a manageable path to a first-round upset. In contrast, Campbell's loss drops its Quad 2 record to 1-5, and its NET ranking has taken a hit, making it an increasingly difficult task for the Fighting Camels to secure a postseason bid. Campbell's chances of becoming a No. 16 seed have diminished significantly, and a first-round exit is now a more realistic possibility. The Seahawks' win has effectively put the Fighting Camels in a must-win situation for the remainder of the season.