This will be a game of contrasting styles. GW enjoys playing at a helter-skelter pace while UNC-Wilmington would prefer to slow the game down. Although Wilmington’s coach said that his team does not need to keep the score in the 40s and 50s to win, look for a low scoring game to benefit the Seahawks and a high scoring game to benefit the Colonials.

Seahawks coach said that although a lower scoring game benefits his team, he will encourage his team to aggressively break GW’s trap and score when they have superior numbers instead of pulling the ball out and waiting to initiate their offense. Their offensive standout is guard TJ Carter who averages 13.3 points per game.

The Seahawks run an extremely aggressive defense that puts strong emphasis on physical play. They are especially adept at defending the three-point shot.

Look for the Colonials to set a lot of screens a setting some backscreens to facilitate some cuts to the basket. If Wilmington sets up in a zone defense, look for coach Hobbs to put Omar Williams at the free-throw line to draw opposing defenders in an attempt to free up outside shooters such as Maureece Rice and Carl Elliott, or to enable a lob pass to a cutting post player. The latter option will be more attractive if senior Pops Mensah-Bonsu is able to give them some quality minutes.

This should be a very close game.