WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Colonial Athletic Association play begins for the UNCW women's basketball team on Friday, Jan. 4, as the Seahawks welcome the College of Charleston to Trask Coliseum for a special 11:30 a.m. "Seahawks Tomorrow" matinee.
The Seahawks and the Cougars will play in front of nearly 4,000 elementary school students from around the Wilmington area as part of the yearly "Seahawks Tomorrow" event.
UNCW carries a 7-4 record into the CAA opener after rallying to outlast East Carolina, 71-68, on Sunday afternoon. Redshirt junior guard
GiGi Smith recorded her first career double-double in the victory with 14 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, and a career-high 10 rebounds.
Charleston, meanwhile, enters the league gauntlet with a 4-7 mark after dropping a 66-52 decision at George Mason on New Year's Eve. The Cougars were led by 11-point performances from senior guard Darien Huff and freshman guard Madison Taylor, but could not overcome an early 17-4 deficit.
Friday's Starting Five
Splitsville – UNCW and Charleston will meet for the 25th time in a series that is deadlocked at 12-12. However, the Seahawks have won three of the last four encounters.
History Lesson – UNCW junior guard
Timber Tate tallied a career-high 22 points in last year's victory at Charleston, making 8-of-16 shots from the field.
That 70s Show – The Seahawks are now 11-3 over the last two years when scoring at least 70 points after Sunday's 71-point effort at ECU.
Helping Hands – Charleston freshman Tyler Collins paces the CAA with 65 assists through 11 games, including a season-high 12 helpers against North Greenville on Nov. 7.
Home Run – The Seahawks are allowing just 49.6 points per game in their five home contests this season.
Up Next: UNCW hits the road for its first two road league fixtures of the season next weekend, visiting William & Mary and defending league titlist Elon.
