Three Takeaways: UNCW Dominates Campbell
UNCW Defeated Campbell 78-59 in Buies Creek.
The Seahawks used a 13-0 run in the first half to propel them to a convincing win over Campbell on the road. UNCW utilized a strong defensive effort and high energy on both ends of the floor to cause havoc and rattle the Camels.
Defensive Prowess
UNCW’s full court press rattled Campbell at different points throughout the contest. The Camels, especially in the first half, struggled to get into a rhythm due to the press.
Campbell committed 15 turnovers, and struggled to move the ball in the halfcourt in the first half. UNCW held Campbell to only three made three point shots on 18 attempts (16.7%). The Seahawks only gave up two open three pointers the entire afternoon.
The Seahawks outrebounded the Camels 38-33, and forced tough shots throughout the contest. Cedric Henderson Jr. turned it on in the second half for the Camels, but UNCW did a great job of containing him in the first half. His performance in the second half was out of pure desperation. UNCW finished the game with 24 points off 15 Campbell turnovers.
Offensive Balance
Four Seahawks scored in double figures, and freshman Jamahri Harvey chipped in nine points as well. Joe Pridgen, Mike Okauru, Jaylen Sims, and John Bowen all shot 50 percent or better from the field, and Okauru and Harvey both shot 50 percent or better from 3-point land.
Ty Gadsden has struggled a bit from the field this season, but he’s playing extremely confident and not second-guessing his shot selections. That’s led to quality outings on a nightly basis for the senior guard, as he recorded 15 points, three assists, two rebounds, and one steal this afternoon.
Shot selection left something to be desired early on, but the Seahawks improved that aspect as the game matured. All seven players who saw the floor for UNCW moved the ball effectively and dribbled with purpose.
Joe Pridgen Is A Star
Unsurprisingly, transfer Joe Pridgen continues to impress.
The sophomore forward scored 14 points on 5/8 shooting and 4/6 from the free throw line. However, Pridgen’s physicality is what stuck out the most. He led the game with 13 rebounds, with six of them coming from the offensive glass. Pridgen also chipped in two assists, two steals, and had the lone block of the afternoon for the Seahawks. His athleticism and energy was too much for Campbell to handle, which was reflected early on often by his offensive rebounding and low post defense.
Pridgen’s double-double on Monday was his third in only five outings this season for his new squad.
Next Up
UNCW finally returns home to take on Delaware State on Wednesday afternoon.
Delaware State is 0-3 this season with losses against Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina, and Wake Forest. Following the Delaware State matchup, the Seahawks will travel to Philadelphia to start CAA play versus the Drexel Dragons.