CofC Fall 60-57 to UNCW in CAA Semi-final Contest

First Year Cougars Head Coach Pat Kelsey Ends Season 17-15 Overall

By: Jeff Walker, Sportswriter

Behind 26 points from senior guard Jaylen Sims second seeded UNC Wilmington held off the College of Charleston for a 60-57 win in their semi-final matchup in the CAA Tournament. With the victory the Seahawks advance to take on fifth seeded Delaware Tuesday night in the Championship game.

Less than 24 hours after shooting 55% overall in a one-sided 92-76 win over Hofstra, the Cougars come up empty against the Seahawks finishing the contest 23 of 60 from the floor (38%), making just 4 of 13 from beyond the arc. Down by one point, John Meeks was making his way to the basket only to be called for an offensive foul which allowed Sims to pad the lead with two seconds left for UNCW.

Dimitrius Underwood kept CofC in the contest early on scoring the Cougars first six points as they trailed 11-2 in the first five minutes of play. Charleston went 1 of 10 from the floor before they began to rally tying the game at 18 all on a 3-pointer by Meeks. It would be a one or two possession lead for UNCW throughout the first half as the Seahawks held a 28-26 advantage at the break.

Four minutes into the second period a layup by Raekwon Horton gave the Cougars their first lead (35-34). A short jumper by Meeks with 6:16 remaining put CofC up 52-48. But the Seahawks found some extra mojo using a 6-0 rally that lead to a 12-5 finishing run helping them advance to the Championship game, with the winner extended an automatic invite into the NCAA Tournament.

The final stats indicated a close contest with the game tied seven times with 10 lead changes. As they’ve done all season the Cougars won the battle on the board, out-rebounding UNCW 41-31, but it was costly turnovers late and missed opportunities from the foul line (7 of 13 overall) that prevented the sixth seeded Cougars from taking the Seahawks down.

Under first year head coach Pat Kelsey, Charleston finishes the season at 17-15, and will look to improve next year. Underwood would lead two Cougars in double figures finishing with a team best 21 points. Raekwon Horton notched his first double double for Charleston chipping in 11 points to go with 10 rebounds. After scoring 31 points Sunday night Meeks misfired Monday evening making 3 of 12 for eight points.

Along with Sims 26 points he hauled in a game high 11 rebounds. Teammate Mike Okauru chipped in 11 points as UNCW improve to 23-8 on the season after closing out the regular in the CAA at 15-3. UNCW are headed back to the championship game for the first time since 2017 where the Seahawks will face fifth-seeded Delaware for the conference title at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

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