UNCW Defeats Drexel in Wilmington, 75-56

Thursday, February 8

Wilmington, N.C.

7 p.m.

Drexel University

15-9,8-3CAA

UNCW

17-6,8-3CAA

Drexel

UNCW

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

2/8/2024 8:58:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW broke open a close game with a 17-1 run in the second half and defeated the Dragons at Trask Coliseum on Thursday night, 75-56. The Dragons dropped into a tie for first place in the CAA with UNCW at 8-3 in league play. Jamie Bergens led the Dragons with a career-high 16 points.

The Dragons (15-9) led by three early in the second half after Luke House hit a 3-pointer, making it 36-33. The Seahawks tied it on the next possession when KJ Jenkins was fouled attempting a 3-pointer. He made all three to even the score at 36-36 and that seemed to get the UNCW (17-6) offense going. A few minutes later the Seahawks started their big run when Nolan Hodge and Donovan Newby hit back-to-back jumpers. Jenkins poured in 19 of his game-high 24 points in the second half and sank seven 3-pointers on the night. The Seahawks shot 57 percent in the final frame and made eight treys to pull away and even the season series.

Drexel found itself in an early hole as UNCW scored on its first four possessions to open up a 10-2 lead. The Dragons were ice cold in the early going and went a stretch of 6:13 without scoring a point. However, they played well on the defensive end and were able to stay within striking distance. Drexel chipped away at the lead and when Justin Moore sank a 3-pointer with 5:22 to play, the Dragons took their first lead of the game at 22-21. There were five lead changes before intermission, but Drexel held a 29-28 lead after Kobe MaGee scored on a drive with 46 seconds left. Bergens had perhaps his best half in a Drexel uniform. He was 4-for-5 from the floor and led Drexel with 10 points. Trazarian White led UNCW with 11 points in the half and finished the game with 15.

Bergens and Justin Moore (11 points) were the only Dragons to reach double figures scoring. Drexel was outrebounded for only the third time this season. Amari Williams had 14 boards in the game including 10 which came on the defensive end.

Drexel will conclude its three game road swing against the College of Charleston on Saturday afternoon at TD Bank Arena. The Cougars could enter the game tied atop the league standings if they defeat N.C. A&T later this evening.