UNCW Coach Takayo Siddle previews “unbelievable opportunity” ahead of NIT game vs. Dayton

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW will host Dayton in the second round of the NIT on Saturday, a matchup Head Coach Takayo Siddle described as “an unbelievable opportunity” for the team and the city.

Siddle said the Seahawks earned the opportunity after taking care of business on the road at Yale and now face what he called an NCAA tournament-level team.

The game is expected to bring significant energy to Wilmington.

UNCW enters the game building off a strong finish in its last outing. After some early uncertainty following time off and a previous loss, Siddle said the team got stronger as the game went along.

Dayton presents challenges on both ends of the floor. Siddle described the Flyers as a well coached, organized, tough, competitive group” that forces about 14 turnovers per game and averages around nine steals.

Because of that, Siddle emphasized the importance of taking care of the basketball, saying shot selection and avoiding live-ball turnovers will be critical.

Defensively, Siddle pointed to Dayton’s guards as a major focus, calling them “two all-league guys that have had really good seasons,” adding UNCW must “do a great job of keeping them in check.”

The game is nearing a sellout, with fewer than 200 tickets remaining. Siddle encouraged fans to act quickly.

“I think this is probably the biggest game that we’ve had here in a long time,” Siddle said.

UNCW has never hosted a postseason game at Trask Coliseum, making Saturday’s matchup a historic moment for the program.

“It’s a big deal,” Siddle said. “It’s going to be a special night.”