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Men's Basketball Joe Browning

Old CAA Foe Navy Returns To Trask

VIDEO | UNCW Vs. Navy, Jan. 31, 1987

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – For most longtime UNCW men's basketball observers who frequent Trask Coliseum, it's simply referred to as "The Shot."
 
It was the last day of January, 1987 and Navy's steamrolling hoops squad, anchored by consensus All-American David Robinson, was visiting Trask Coliseum for its annual trip to the raucous venue. To no one's surprise, Robinson and Seahawk great Brian Rowsom were locked up in another installment of their legendary head-to-head duels.
 
uncw_navy_mbbWith the Seahawks clinging to a 66-65 lead, and the clock racing to zero, the Midshipmen found Robinson on the right elbow and "The Admiral" did what the gifted 7-footer always did – he delivered. Robinson calmly drained a jumper near the foul line on the east end of the floor to help Navy escape with a 67-66 victory en route to the last of three consecutive Colonial Athletic Association championships.
 
Trask fans have experienced numerous memorable finishes since then, but few tougher to digest than Robinson's dagger. The two teams will meet for the first time since Feb. 2, 1991, when veteran coach Ed DeChellis brings his group to Wilmington for a yet to be named multi-team tournament on Nov. 20, 2020.
 
Navy leads the overall series, 11-6, but the Seahawks have held their own following a slow start in the head-to-head matchups. After dropping the first eight games in the series, UNCW has taken six of the last nine clashes, including an 87-76 decision in 1991 before the Midshipmen jumped ship for the Patriot League.
 
UNCW-Navy Series Notes
 
  • Navy won the first eight games in the series by an average of 13.0 ppg.
  • UNCW's first victory over Navy came on Jan. 18, 1988, via a 69-60 verdict at Trask Coliseum.
  • Three Seahawk coaches have faced the Midshipmen: Mel Gibson (0-5), Robert McPherson (5-5) and Kevin Eastman (1-1). Paul Evans (1985-86) and Pete Herrmann (1987-1991) steered the Midshipmen in games vs. UNCW.
  • The Seahawks stand 3-4 vs. Navy at Trask Coliseum and have won three of the last four meetings in the Port City.
  • UNCW stood 1-2 against Navy in the CAA Tournament, playing the Midshipmen in 1986, 1987 and 1988. The Seahawks lost to Navy in the semifinals in 1986 and championship game in 1987 before eliminating the Midshipmen in the opening round of the 1988 affair.
  • Five games in the 17-game series have been decided by three points or less.
  • UNCW has played all of its road games vs. Navy at venerable Halsey Field House. Alumni Hall opened on Oct. 5, 1991.
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