Fans greet CAA Champs as Seahawks return to campus

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The UNCW Seahawks are back in town, and they returned to the Port City as CAA Champions. The Seahawks played a tough series of games that was capped off with a thriller against Hofstra. They pulled out a 80-73 victory and came home with the title.

Earlier this afternoon a crowd formed in front of Trask Coliseum on campus to welcome the champs home from Baltimore.

Junior Guard Chris Flemmings said the support of the fans have made a difference this season.

“Incredible feeling to bring a win to the fans. It’s a great feeling,” said Flemmings.

Flemmings who transferred from Barton College made his mark in the conference receiving a number of CAA honors this season and often giving the Seahawks the push they needed on the offensive end.

Sophomore Jordon Talley said they came close last year and they were determined this year to bring home the title.

“Embrace the moment right now and enjoy it,” said Talley.

The team is basking in the glory that is conquering the Colonial Athletic Association, but there’s still work to be done. The team is looking to make a run and pick up some wins in the NCAA tournament.

UNCW Head Coach Kevin Keatts knows a little something about winning games in the NCAA. He was an assistant coach at Louisville, when the Cardinals won it all in 2013.

“I’m going to give these guys a couple of days off,” Keatts said. “Reason being is because we play our conference tournament a week before Selection Sunday. With that being said, when we get back in the gym, we got to continue to work on ourselves.”

And with their first opponent unknown Coach Keatts said working on their game is their main focus.

“We have to work on our defense and offense and just be prepared for any type of team we would play,” he said.

The Seahawks look to do what they are known for: Run. Defend. Win.

“Play like it’s every other game,” said Talley. “Play hard, play smart, and hopefully the outcome will be in our favor.”

UNCW said it will host a party for Selection Sunday. The school does not have all the specifics worked out yet, but more details will be released in the next few days.