UNCW preview

UNC Wilmington is looking to capitalize off their season last year when they finished an impressive 25-8, earning a NCAA berth and winning the CAA conference tournament. The Seahawks are no stranger to success though, having advanced to the NCAA tourney 4 of the last 7 seasons. UNCW replaced Head Coach Brad Brownell with new head coach Benny Moss, an assistant coach from UNC Charlotte last year, after Brownell stepped down after last season. Moss inherits a talented team that lost three starters including the top two rebounders and leading assist man from last year. Moss had another unfortunate break when returning scoring leader and 1^st team CAA selection T.J. Carter was sidelined with a groin injury. Moss brings an uptempo style to the Seahawks and will look to push the ball. With Carter out, Moss has four new starters led by 6’4” Junior SG Daniel Fountain who has averaged an impressive 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in their two exhibition games. UNCW was very impressive last year in the NCAA tournament, when I was able to see them lose in the first round in overtime to George Washington 88-85.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Look for this game to be up and down. With Moss introducing his new style, this should be a fun game to watch. The Vols might have the advantage, however, with a year more of experience in the uptempo pace. The Seahawks are a tough team, but are a little damaged with the loss of TJ Carter. Pearl will have the Vols focused on trying to not turn the ball over tonight. The Seahawks committed only 9 turnovers in their opening game win against Belmont. UNCW played 8 guys last night, but look for new coach Benny Moss to substitute more often tonight with a more uptempo game tonight. Key matchup: Daniel Fountain vs. Chris Lofton. Lofton has been known to fall asleep while boxing out, and Fountain could present some problems for Lofton if that’s the case. Look for Pearl to challenge Lofton, however, and for the junior shooting guard to lead Tennessee to victory and a trip to the NIT Semis in New York.

Projected Starting Lineup:

UNC-Wilmington Seahawks

PG – 6’0” #22 Temi Soyebo
SG – 6’4” #4 Daniel Fountain
SF – 6’5” #1 Montez Downey
PF – 6’9” #41 Todd Hendley
C – 6’10” #32 Vladimir Kuljanin

Tennessee Vols

PG – 6’2” #12 Ramar Smith
SG – 6’2” #5 Chris Lofton
SF – 6’2” #2 JaJuan Smith
PF – 6’4” #23 Dane Bradshaw
C – 6’7” #32 Duke Crews