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Men's Basketball Joe Browning

Seahawks Open CAA Play Against Dragons

Game #12: UNCW "Seahawks" vs. Drexel "Dragons"
Trask Coliseum (5,100) • Wilmington, N.C.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 • 1 p.m.
Seahawk Digital Network (Audio|Video) • Live Stats
Twitter: @UNCWMensHoops • #RunDefendWin
Game Notes: UNCW | Drexel
22564
UNCW "Seahawks"
2015-16 Record: 8-3 (0-0 CAA)
Last Game: W 106-83 Vs. Campbell, 12-28-15
Head Coach: Kevin Keatts (2nd Season)
Roster | Schedule/Results | Statistics | Homepage
21498Drexel "Dragons"
2015-16 Record: 2-9 (0-0 CAA)
Last Game: L 77-70 at Iona, 12-28-15
Head Coach: James "Bruiser Flint" (15th Season)
Roster | Schedule/Results | Statistics | Homepage

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – The UNCW men's basketball team opens defense of its Colonial Athletic Association regular season championship early Thursday when the Seahawks entertain Drexel in a New Year's Eve clash at Trask Coliseum.
 
The Seahawks, 8-3, are facing the Dragons for the first time in the CAA opener since Drexel joined the loop in 2002. UNCW is looking to shake a seven-game losing streak in CAA openers in the 1 p.m. tip-off at Trask Coliseum.
 
"We're excited about the second season," said Head Coach Kevin Keatts, who owns a 26-17 (.605) career record in two seasons with the Seahawks. "The CAA is a very challenging conference. Every night is going to be a battle. Our conference has had some great wins in the non-conference season and we're looking forward to starting league play."
 
Featuring a three-game winning streak, UNCW is coming off one of its best shooting performances of the season. The Seahawks shot 55.7 percent from the floor and blistered the nets for 69.4 percent in the second half to steamroll Campbell, 106-83, on Monday at Trask Coliseum.
 
Freshman star C.J. Bryce was the catalyst for the Seahawks in Monday's win, scoring a career-high 24 points to celebrating picking up his second CAA Rookie-of-the-Week honor earlier in the day. With a 10.2 ppg average, the Charlotte product is one of three Seahawks collecting double figures, behind versatile guard Chris Flemmings (14.5 ppg) and veteran backcourt mate Craig Ponder (13.2 ppg).
 
The Drexel tilt is part of a stretch of three games in six days for the surging Seahawks. UNCW also takes on defending CAA Tournament champion Northeastern in a televised matchup on Saturday to cap a grueling stretch for Keatts and his club.
 
The Seahawks are opening their 32nd season of CAA play and own a 12-19 record in league openers. UNCW dropped a 68-56 decision to Hofstra in last year's conference debut – Keatts' first CAA game as UNCW's head coach – and has not won its first CAA game since edging the Pride, 87-83, on the road in overtime on Dec. 1, 2007.
 
Drexel, meanwhile, is looking to put the non-conference portion of the schedule in the rear view mirror. The Dragons, who lost their first six games of the campaign, carry a 2-9 record into Thursday's tilt and fell, 77-70, at Iona on Monday in their last appearance.
 
The Seahawks lead the 25-game series with Drexel by a narrow 13-12 margin and the two clubs split the series one year ago, with each protecting its home floor.
 
Drexel stands 6-8 in CAA openers through the years, but has won two in a row. The Dragons are 7-7 in CAA road openers and have taken two straight.
 
James "Bruiser" Flint is coaching the Dragons for the 15th season and has a trio of talented guards at his disposal. Tavon Allen (6-7, 190, Sr., Guard) leads the Dragons in scoring with 15.6 ppg, followed by newcomer Terrell Allen (6-1, 180, Fr., Guard) at 10.6 and Rashann London (6-2, 185, Soph., Guard).
 
Sophomore guard Sammy Mojica came off the bench to pace the Dragons in Monday's loss to the Gaels. The 6-3, 175-pound sophomore poured in 20 points and Tavon Allen chipped in 20 as the Dragons battled back from a 41-28 halftime deficit to nearly pull off the upset.
 
"Bruiser does a great job with his team," Keatts continued. "They're a tremendous defensive team and they play with a lot of passion. It will be a tough, hard fought game for us.
 
"They don't have that one star and that's what makes them dangerous because they have a lot of guys who can contribute. They have a lot of size, rebound the basketball and can score from inside out, so they have a well-balanced attack."
 
All of UNCW's games are carried live on the Seahawk Digital Network. Fans can visit UNCWsports.com, click the Live Events button, and select the game for a free audio and video feed of the contest. Seahawk basketball may also be heard over the radio airwaves on The Beach 94.1 FM/WLSG 1340 AM in Wilmington and New Hanover County and Freedom 97.1 FM/WSME 1120 AM in Jacksonville and Onslow County.

Season tickets are still available by visiting the UNCW Athletics Ticket Office in Trask Coliseum, calling 1-800-808-UNCW or clicking on the Tickets button via UNCWSports.com. Tickets start as low as $99, with 5 and 8-game mini-plans also available.
 
For more information on the Seahawks, like the team on Facebook (UNCW Men's Basketball) or follow them on Twitter (@UNCWMensHoops).
 
 
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Chris Flemmings

#1 Chris Flemmings

G
6' 5"
Redshirt Junior
Craig Ponder

#0 Craig Ponder

G
6' 1"
Redshirt Senior
C.J. Bryce

#12 C.J. Bryce

G
6' 5"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Chris Flemmings

#1 Chris Flemmings

6' 5"
Redshirt Junior
G
Craig Ponder

#0 Craig Ponder

6' 1"
Redshirt Senior
G
C.J. Bryce

#12 C.J. Bryce

6' 5"
Freshman
G