March Madness is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as the No. 14 seed UNC Wilmington Seahawks prepare to face off against the No. 3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The game, set to tip-off at 10:10 p.m. ET at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, marks the first encounter between these two programs since the 2002-03 season opener.
UNC Wilmington enters this matchup with confidence after clinching the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) title, securing their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2017. Under the guidance of head coach Takayo Siddle, who boasts an impressive 106-46 record over five seasons, the Seahawks have put together a solid 27-7 record this year. The celebration is not just about returning to the tournament but also about shedding the underdog tag often associated with lower-seeded teams.
Despite having previously struggled against competition from higher-tier conferences, the Seahawks are determined to upset their higher-seeded rivals. Coach Siddle noted, "I feel like we've been getting disrespected all year. When people were talking about other teams on winning streaks, they would skip over us. We just felt disrespected, and we felt like we had something to prove." This sentiment resonates within the team as they look to demonstrate their competitiveness.
Guard Donovan Newby, one of the key players for UNC Wilmington, is averaging over 14 points per game this season. After experiencing some inconsistency at the tail end of the season, his recent performances have revitalized interest from basketball analysts, with hopes he can keep the momentum rolling against Texas Tech. Newby's experience and skill level could make the difference for UNCW, especially if other players like Harlan Obioha and Khamari McGriff can add support offensively.
Obioha, standing at 7 feet and weighing 280 pounds, provides the height and physicality needed to challenge Texas Tech's taller players. McGriff, 6-foot-9, has shown versatility and scoring ability, being second on the team with 11.6 points per game. Both will need to step up against the tech-driven Red Raiders if the Seahawks are to stand any chance against their formidable opponents.
On the other side of the court, Texas Tech boasts a well-rounded and efficient basketball team, entering the tournament as one of the top teams nationally. The Red Raiders have shown their strength both offensively and defensively, averaging 80.9 points per game, which ranks among the best. Head coach Grant McCasland’s squad is particularly adept at shooting beyond the arc, with the 3-point game posing significant problems for their opponents.
Texas Tech currently leads the nation, allowing only 29.6% success on 3-point attempts, and they hold one of the best defensive records overall. Their success is underscored by players like JT Toppin, who has made waves this season, becoming the Big 12 Player of the Year. Toppin, averaging around 18.2 points, is known for his ability to score when it matters most, and his performance will be pivotal as the Red Raiders advance through the tournament.
Predictions for the matchup heavily favor Texas Tech, with the Red Raiders being 15.5-point favorites. Various analysts believe Texas Tech has about a 92% chance of winning, considering the Seahawks’ poor schedule strength compared to the competition at this high level. The Arizona Republic predicts Texas Tech will come out on top by a score of 80 to 61.
While experts predict the Red Raiders will come out victorious, UNC Wilmington’s roster does possess the size and skill to push them to edge the game closer than expected. The Seahawks have averaged 79.4 points against much weaker opponents and will need to employ effective strategies to keep pace with the intense scoring Texas Tech is known for.
The only previous matchup between these teams happened back on the 2002-03 season, leading to the speculation surrounding how much each team's development may affect their performance this time around. What might play to UNCW's favor is the fact they are well-acquainted with the postseason pressure. Coach Siddle emphasizes their unity, stating, "This group deserves (March Madness) more than any group I’ve coached here. We were very connected. We had great energy. We had lots of really good championship qualities about us."
UNC Wilmington understands the stakes this time and is ready to make their mark. With anticipation building as March Madness draws closer, college basketball fans will undoubtedly have their eyes on this exciting matchup, hoping to witness another unforgettable upset during one of the most thrilling tournaments in sports.
