UNC-Wilmington looks to win the Colonial Athletic Association for the second straight year when they take on Charleston in the conference tournament championship on Monday night. The Seahawks are the number one overall seed and cruised to the final with impressive offensive performances.
The Cougars have a contrasting style of play and used their defense to lift to them to the championship game. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM Eastern time and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network and on the CBS Sports app (subscription required).
No. 2 Charleston (23-8, 14-4 CAA)
The Cougars held their two opponents to 62 points or less in tournament play, which is better than their impressive numbers overall with a defense that checks in as the 23rd best in the country. In the quarterfinal, both teams hit just 40 percent from the field and Charleston was limited to converting just 3-of-15 3-point attempts. However, the Cougars prevailed by making 20-of-25 free throws.
Junior guard Joe Chealey (17.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg) has been the star so far, making 11-of-13 from the charity stripe in that quarterfinal victory and finishing with 21 points. He stepped it up in the semifinal win over Towson with 29 points and 6 boards.
No. 1 UNC-Wilmington (26-5, 15-3 CAA)
The Seahawks scored 196 points in their two games through the tournament so far. They're fresh off of putting up 105 points against William & Mary. Both teams jumpstarted their offense with 11 made 3-pointers each, but it was UNC-Wilmington converting 28-of-33 free throw attempts that gave them push needed to advance.
Senior guard Chris Flemmings (16 ppg, 5.5 rpg) was outstanding in the latest win with 26 points, half of those coming on a perfect day from the foul line (13-of-13). Denzel Ingram (14.6 ppg, 5.5 apg) has been the best overall player in the tournament with 42 total points. He's made 9 3-pointers and is currently +12 in the assist-to-turnover ratio.
The championship takes place at North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina. UNC-Wilmington is the favorite to win the title by 3 points and the O/U is set at 142 points. The Seahawks are an even .500 as a favorite against the spread this season.
