ASHEVILLE, North Carolina – The Takayo Siddle era did not get off to a good start for UNCW basketball Wednesday against Western Carolina (1-0). The Seahawks (0-1) dropped their season-opener against the Catamounts 98-76.

The 22 point loss came largely in part to UNCW’s poor shooting performance. The Seahawks shot a lackluster 37% from the field and 30% from behind the arc. Other than Jaylen Sims’ game-high 27 points, the Seahawks could not find any offense from their bench which combined for 10 total points.

Western Carolina had a much more efficient game. The Catamounts shot over 56% from the field while all five of their starters scored in double-digits, led by Sophomore forward Xavier Cork with 22.

The Seahawks will look to bounce back on Nov. 27 when they take on UNC Asheville at 3:30 p.m.