WILMINGTON — UNC Wilmington will look to settle the score with two conference foes as it hits the road this weekend. The Seahawks will face Towson (10-11, 5-5) on Friday night in a Valentine’s Day showdown, then travel to James Madison (17-4, 8-2) for a Sunday matinee.  

Towson

When the Tigers came to Trask on Jan. 19, they defeated the Seahawks 62-41 after jumping out to a 17-0 run in the game’s opening 6 minutes. The Seahawks will have to be ready to compete from the jump in order to have a chance at a different outcome this time around. Two major keys to a victory in this game will be shutting down redshirt junior guard Kionna Jeter, who put up 21 points in the last meeting with the Seahawks.

UNCW will also need to focus on producing a more balanced offensive effort. Carol–Anne Obusek was the sole bright spot of the game, with 15 points and seven rebounds. If Lacey Suggs and Gigi Smith can also work their way back into the offense for this one, the Seahawks could take home the win. 

James Madison

In their previous meeting on Jan. 17, the Seahawks dropped a close one to JMU, losing 66-58 in Trask. Chinyere Bell recorded a double-double with 12 points 10 rebounds. A repeat performance to help balance out the Seahawk offense could give the team the boost it needs to come out on top this time around.

Defensively, UNCW will need to focus on shutting down senior guard Kamiah Smalls — the preseason CAA Player of the Year, who had 20 points in last month’s matchup with the ‘Hawks. 

UNCW heads into this weekend looking to snap a three-game losing streak — a cold spell where the team has dropped each contest by eight points or less.

Ahyionna Vason is coming off a 15-point performance as well. For the Seahawks to get back in the win column, they’ll need solid offensive contributions from more than just Suggs and Smith. Whether it’s Vason, Obusek or Bell, the Seahawks need someone to step up as a threat in the Seahawk offense. Currently standing at 6-16 overall and 3-8 in the league, the Seahawks head out looking to bring back two good wins before they begin their final homestand of the season next week.