WILMINGTON – Sophomore guard C.J. Bryce pumped in 23 points and the UNCW men’s basketball team set school records for total victories and home wins following a 74-65 decision over visiting Northeastern in the regular season finale for both Colonial Athletic Association teams early Saturday at Trask Coliseum.
The Seahawks (26-5, 15-3) wrapped up the regular campaign with their fourth straight win and finished in sole possession of first place in the CAA standings after being picked to win the title by CAA observers before the season began. It was the fifth sellout of the season at Trask Coliseum.
UNCW established a school record for single season victories, surpassing the 25 wins set by the 2005-06 and 2015-16 squads. With a 13-1 home record, this year’s club also won more games at Trask Coliseum than another team in the building’s 50-year history.
They get the No.1 seed and they are #CAAHoops regular season CHAMPIONS@uncwmenshoops pic.twitter.com/oJYHuDAXWD
— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) February 25, 2017
Bryce notched scored more than 20 points for the 10th time this season and added five rebounds and three assists for the Seahawks, who led by as many as 25 points early in the second half. Senior guard Chris Flemmings added 19 points and senior guard Denzel Ingram chipped in 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
“It’s really tough when you’re picked No. 1 in the preseason,” said Coach Kevin Keatts, who stands 35-5 in home games and 45-14 in CAA contests in three seasons. “You’re always going to get everyone’s best shot. This program is moving in the right direction.
“I’m so proud of these guys for believing that we could be champions once again. We have a great opportunity because we have a very good basketball team that obviously believes they can win.”
With a 74-65 win at home @uncwmenshoops are your #CAAHoops regular season CHAMPS!!!
HIGHLIGHTS pic.twitter.com/JJjJXlp46t
— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) February 25, 2017
Keatts and his club now direct their attention to next week’s CAA Tournament, where they’ll be the No. 1 seed and face the winner of the Hofstra-Delaware first-round matchup in one of four quarterfinal games next Saturday, March 4, at Noon.
