On paper, the men’s basketball game against Hofstra was just what the Seahawks needed to break their losing streak that dates as far back as December 15. Hofstra entered just 5-11 and UNCW was returning home after a two-game road trip to a rowdy student section.

On the court, the game was a different story.

UNCW gave up the lead at the end of the first half and were never able to get it back, falling 69-64.

The Seahawks (6-13) were able to tie up the score three times in the second half but never got further than that. They were unable to overcome Pride forward Zeke Upshaw, who had a career night from 3-point range (7-for-10 with a total of 27 points).

The loss left the Seahawks still searching for their first win of the calendar year, and as they continue to find themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard, both players and coaches have become frustrated.

“I challenged a couple guys at halftime—got on them a little bit. It ticked me off the way we finished the (first) half,” coach Buzz Peterson said. “We’re going to [practice] tomorrow at 5 am—if I could go at midnight, I would.”

Peterson was referring to the two 3-pointers given up in the final minute of the first half that gave Hofstra momentum and a 35-31 lead going into the locker room.

The Seahawks played well offensively in the first ten minutes, putting up 22 points. But the Pride’s zone defense turned out to be too much for the Seahawks’ offense. They repeatedly denied the ball and inside position to UNCW’s front court; forward Cedrick Williams shot 71%, but only took seven shots.

The Pride also set the tone defensively with a few vicious blocks early on. Though they only totaled four throughout the game, it was enough to discourage drives to the basket at times. Beating teams from the outside is something the Seahawks have struggled to do all season long, and though some shots did fall last night, it wasn’t enough.

“We’ll keep digging,” Peterson said. “I told the guys, the only thing I know to do is keep digging. We’ll go early tomorrow morning and get better.”

The loss leaves the Seahawks still looking for their first conference win. They will get another chance  against the Drexel Dragons January 18 at Trask Coliseum.