WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Led by a game-high 23 points from redshirt senior guard GiGi Smith, UNCW seniors accounted for 54 of the Seahawks' points en route to securing a 56-43 Colonial Athletic Association victory over Hofstra in the Seahawks' home finale at Trask Coliseum on Sunday afternoon.
 
The Seahawks' third straight victory elevated their record to 9-18 overall and 6-10 in the CAA. Hofstra, meanwhile, stands at 3-25 and 0-17 in the circuit.
 
Smith, one of six seniors honored in a pre-game ceremony, converted 8 of 14 shots from the floor, including a 3-for-8 showing from three-point range, while sinking four of five free throws. The Norfolk, Va., product also tallied a game-high five steals with three rebounds.
 
Senior guard Lacey Suggs added 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 shooting at the free throw line while senior guards Moriah Crisp and Ahyiona Vason each chipped in eight points.
 
Hofstra, which lost its 19th consecutive game, was led by redshirt sophomore forward Jaylen Hines' 16 points and game-high 11 rebounds while freshman guard Sorelle Ineza added 10 points.
 
Key Moment: UNCW overcame a 21-18 halftime deficit by going on a 12-2 run to begin the second half, giving the Seahawks a 30-23 advantage they did not relinquish. Smith and Vason combined to score nine of the 12 points during the outburst.  
 
Game Notes:

• UNCW has defeated Hofstra in five consecutive meetings to even the series at 19-19.
• The Seahawks used their 11th different starting lineup this season as Coach Karen Barefoot started all five available seniors in their final appearance at Trask Coliseum.
• UNCW allowed a season-low 43 points in Sunday's victory over Hofstra ... The Seahawks are now 6-2 this season when allowing fewer than 60 points. 
• Smith authored her seventh 20-point game of the season, including her second straight outing with 20 or more points … She has reached the 20-point plateau 14 times in her career.
• Smith also matched her career high five steals against Hofstra on Sunday … She had five thefts against Delaware on Feb. 24, 2019.
• Suggs scored in double figures for the eighth time in the last 10 games, including the last four contests … The White Lake, N.C., product has reached double figures in 20-of-27 games this season.
• The Seahawks have allowed 50 or fewer points in each of the last three games after surrendering 43 points against Hofstra on Sunday … It is the first time UNCW has not allowed an opponent to score over 50 points in three straight games since Feb. 17-24, 2011, when they held Georgia State, Northeastern and Towson.
• UNCW limited Hofstra to 1-for-9 shooting from three-point range on Sunday … In the last three games, the Seahawks' opponents are a combined 5-for-30 from beyond the arc.

Up Next: UNCW completes its regular season schedule next week with a pair of CAA road games. After visiting Drexel on Thursday, Mar. 5, the Seahawks venture to the Bob Carpenter Center for the final game of the regular season against Delaware on Saturday, Mar. 7.   

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