WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Senior guard
Kelva Atkins (Granville Central H.S./Stem, N.C.) and sophomore guard
Johanna McMillan (Sanford School/Mullica Hill, N.J.) each scored 13 points as the UNCW women's basketball team broke away in the second half to earn an 83-63 victory over the University of Mount Olive in an exhibition game at Trask Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
After falling behind by a 26-19 margin with seven minutes left in the first half, the Seahawks went on an 11-3 run over the next three minutes to take a 30-29 lead with 4:40 remaining on a traditional three-point play by Atkins.
The Trojans rallied to reclaim a 34-33 advantage on a three-point field goal by junior guard
Shy'Lia Blue (Dunbar H.S./Baltimore, Md.) with 3:34 left, but the Seahawks closed the half by scoring 12 of the final 14 points for a 45-36 edge at the intermission.
The Seahawks continued to build their advantage in the second half, leading by as many as 27 points en route to claiming the exhibition victory.
Atkins made 5 of 10 shots from the floor and all three of her free throw attempts in the victory for the Seahawks. She also added six assists and five steals for the Seahawks. Meanwhile, McMillan came off the bench to make four of nine field goals, including a three-for-six effort from beyond the arc.
Sophomore guard
Naqaiyyah Teague (Malcolm X. Shabazz H.S./Newark, N.J.) contributed a "double double" in the victory for UNCW, scoring 12 points with a team-high 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard
Brie Mobley (Winter Haven H.S./Winter Haven, Fla.) added 10 points in the win.
Freshman guard
Ni'ya Styles (Nash Central H.S./Nashville, N.C.) led the Trojans by scoring a game-high 18 points, including a 6-for-14 performance from three-point range. Senior forward
Ty Wallace (New Bern H.S./New Bern, N.C.) added a "double double" by scoring 12 points with a game-high 14 rebounds.
The Seahawks open the 2014-15 regular season on Sunday, Nov. 16 when they welcome UNC Pembroke to Trask Coliseum. Opening tip-off between the Seahawks and the Braves is slated for 2 p.m.
