UNC Wilmington's men’s basketball team is gearing up for the championship showdown after narrowly defeating Charleston 68-67 on March 10, 2025, at the CareFirst Arena. The game was intense, showcasing the thrilling atmosphere of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals, where every second counted and the stakes were high.
The Seahawks, ranked as the second seed with a record of 26-7, faced off against the third-seeded Cougars, who fell to 24-9 after Monday night's heart-wrenching loss. UNCW's victory secured their spot in the CAA finals for the third time within the last four years, aiming for their seventh league title.
Donovan Newby led the Seahawks with a spectacular performance, posting 24 points throughout the game. His key plays under pressure included two free throws with just under two minutes remaining when UNCW was trailing 64-61. Newby's pivotal three-pointer shortly after pushed the Seahawks to take the lead at 66-64 with only 1:12 left on the clock.
With the contest featuring 14 lead changes and nine ties, Charleston rallied back to take control multiple times, demonstrating their resilience. They clawed back from trailing 40-30 at halftime and even managed to lead 57-55 following two free throws from Derrin Boyd around five minutes left to play.
“Newby answered with two free throws and a 3-pointer for the lead and Montgomery made it 68-64 before Deywilk Tavarez hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer,” reported the Associated Press, encapsulating the game's dramatic finale. Montgomery, maintaining composure, sunk two decisive free throws with just 3.9 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for UNCW.
The Seahawks demonstrated their defensive prowess, registering 12 steals—a season-high for the team. Nolan Hodge's exceptional intercept just seconds before the end showcased the team’s defensive strategy as he snatched the ball, which resulted in Montgomery’s two free throws. Charleston had several opportunities for equalizing shots down the stretch but were thwarted by the Seahawks’ defense.
The game’s progression was marked by momentum swings, with Charleston showcasing quick offensive bursts but unable to translate them consistently as they faced mounting pressure from their rivals. The Cougars had performed admirably, with Boyd leading them with 18 points, complemented by CJ Fulton’s contributions of 12 points and key defensive plays.
Looking forward, UNCW aims to triumph over Delaware at the CAA Championship on March 11, 2025. The Blue Hens, seeded at number 12, recently upset top-seeded Towson with an impressive 82-72 victory. This matchup is historic as it will mark the first appearance of a double-digit seed in the CAA championship game.
Delaware, guided by head coach and impressive team performances throughout the tournament, will approach the final match with the momentum of defeating several higher-ranked teams. They demonstrated remarkable offensive capability by shooting over 50% from the field against Towson, exemplifying their rising challenge against UNCW.
The upcoming CAA championship game will not only be about securing the title but also about earning the coveted automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, heightening the stakes even more. The Seahawks, with their eyes on reclaiming past glories from winning back-to-back championships during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, hope to tap back on their experience and team synergy to succeed once again.
Bo Montgomery, contributing not only through scoring but also by drawing fouls at key moments, reflects the collective determination of the Seahawks. Having endured pressure throughout the semifinals, they now shift their focus onto Delaware, where fans eagerly await the confrontation between the underdog and the established force.
The championship matchup will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter as UNCW seeks to secure their seventh CAA championship title.