The UNCW Seahawks narrowly escaped defeat in Trask Coliseum on Friday, Nov. 8, defeating the Georgia Southern Eagles 92-84. Donovan Newby led the Seahawks in scoring with 33 points. Newby more than doubled his points from the previous game where he scored 15. The Eagles’ top scorer was Dontae Horne with 23 points. The Seahawks came into this game freshly off a record-breaking 143-91 victory over Mount Olive on Monday, Nov. 4, yet this game against the Eagles was a close call. Both teams fought for victory until the end.
Friday night wasn’t just about basketball, it was also Military appreciation night. Before the game, UNCW recognized UNCW alum David Buzzer for his service in the US Army. Buzzer is a two-time recipient of The Purple Heart Medal. Buzzer gifted one of his medals to UNCW in August.
After the presentation of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” it was time for the tip-off. UNCW won the tip-off which got fans rowdy and energetic from the start. UNCW’s Teal Nation student section was ready with chants, cardboard cut-outs of celebrities and a ton of energy. First-time game attendee Jayden Yarborough enjoyed the new atmosphere. “I love the overhype and nonsense of the student section. Everyone is so goofy and not taking it too seriously. We are all losing our voices cheering and screaming.”
Fans not only showed up ready to scream, but they also prepared distracting signs to hold up while the Eagles attempted free throw shots. Cardboard cut-outs of Michael Scott, a spinning optical illusion, and even Sydney Sweeney were held up. The Pep band was not shy either, screaming as loudly as they could when they weren’t playing their instruments.
The Seahawks trailed at halftime 34-37. Yet it didn’t appear as if spirits were down, as they regrouped and came out ready to play once more. The team dominated defensive play, starters Khamari McGriff (21) and Noah Ross (5) ended the night with nine and six defensive rebounds respectively. Big plays were made by 7-foot forward Harlan Obioha (55) that got the crowd jumping out of their seats.
Free throws were a hot topic of the game, with each team showing weak spots. The Eagles went 64.3% while the Seahawks shot 76.3% of free throws. While the Seahawks missed 14 free throws, the Eagles missed 10. Had the Eagles made more of their 10 missed free throws, this game might have played out differently.
This game came down to its final seconds. With 24.32 seconds left in the game, and the score 86-84 Seahawks, Joshua Corbin (32) shot a game-winning three-pointer to increase the Seahawk’s lead to 89-84. After this shot, the student section knew the game was over. “Everyone just erupted in cheers because at that time we knew that we won with 30 seconds left.” Yarborough said. Corbin then shot three free throws to end the game. When the buzzer sounded, the score read 92-84 Seahawks.
The Seahawks will play their next game against USC Upstate in Spartanburg S.C. on Friday the 15th and will return to Trask Coliseum on Nov. 27 for the Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic Tournament.
Statistics According to ESPN
