After an eight-year hiatus, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks have triumphantly returned to the NCAA Tournament, clinching the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship with a hard-fought 76-72 victory over Delaware.
This monumental win not only secures their spot in March Madness but also reignites the passion of Seahawk fans who have eagerly awaited this moment since 2017.

A Decisive CAA Championship Performance
Under the leadership of Head Coach Takayo Siddle, the Seahawks have showcased resilience and determination, overcoming past setbacks to reclaim their place on college basketball’s grandest stage.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the program’s history, reflecting years of dedication and hard work.
In the CAA championship game, UNCW demonstrated remarkable skill and composure throughout the game. During the crucial finale, Donovan Newby scored 17 points, primarily through free throws.
Forward Noah Ross from the sophomore class scored 14 points in the match, along with Bo Montgomery, who scored 13 points. The combination of their individual talents enabled the Seahawks to maintain their dominance throughout crucial moments of the game.
THE SEAHAWKS ARE DANCING 🕺
UNC Wilmington is going back to the men’s NCAA tournament for the first time in 8 years‼️ pic.twitter.com/jMMM1Q67oI
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 12, 2025
During the game, Delaware found it difficult to create offensive plays due to the Seahawks’ defensive strength. Delaware guard Izaiah Pasha’s constant contribution of 21 points was not enough to overcome UNCW’s unified defense and offensive planning.
Under pressure situations, the team revealed its defensive talents by stopping Delaware from mounting late-game comebacks during the contest.
The team’s triumph won both conference brilliance and showcased that their entire roster provided versatility. By committing to the game plan and handling pressure situations effectively every player brought out this desired accomplishment.
The Road Ahead: Embracing March Madness
The entire UNCW community shows immense excitement as the Seahawks get ready for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The team’s participation in March Madness exemplifies how well they recovered, and their journey reflects a narrative of perseverance, strategic growth, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
UNCW plans to leverage the existing momentum as its next strategic move. The championship experience of the CAA tournament solidifies their base to succeed against fresh challenges at the national level.
They have established themselves as strong tournament contenders through the connection between their players and the strategic expertise of Coach Siddle.
KEEP READING: March Madness Fun Facts: Surprising Stats and Records You Need To Know
The basketball world outside of UNCW will closely observe how the team establishes its presence in the NCAA Tournament.
After eight years of absence UNC made its successful comeback to NCAA Tournament which represents both athletic triumph and united spirit within the community. The Seahawk nation will unite in proud anticipation to back their team throughout the upcoming exciting tournament period.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!