UNCW Seahawks hit court for first time ahead of NCAA Tournament game

ORLANDO, FL (WWAY) — The UNCW Seahawks got their first chance this afternoon to get the feel of the setting for their first-round NCAA Tournament game.

The Seahawks were the first team to practice and talk with the media today at the Amway Center in Orlando. That’s where UNCW, the 12th seed in the NCAA East Regional, will take on 5th-seeded Virginia of the ACC tomorrow.

“We’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to play against a very good Virginia team,” UNCW Coach Kevin Keatts said. “When you look at us we’re proud to be back in the NCAA Tournament.  I thought we learned so much from the game we played against Duke last year. I think our guys are prepared and ready to go.”

Enter the WWAY Bracket Challenge

Several current Seahawks were on the team last year that lost to Duke in the first round of the NCAAs in Providence, RI. This year those veterans are looking for a longer trip to the Big Dance.

UNCW and Virginia tip off at 12:40 p.m. tomorrow. The winner moves on to second-round play Saturday, where they will take on the winner of the Florida-East Tennessee State game.

WWAY’s Dustin Dorsey is with the team in Orlando. He and Sports Director John Rendleman will continue our Wings Up Coverage tonight on WWAY NEWS starting at 5 p.m. We’ll hear more from the players as they get ready to play tomorrow.