UNCW men’s basketball improves to 3-0 with 91-73 win over Kent State

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The UNCW men’s basketball team remains undefeated after taking down Kent State 91-73 Wednesday night at Trask Coliseum. The Seahawks improved to 3-0 on the season behind a strong first-half performance, building a 19-point lead they would never surrender.

UNCW scored 49 points in the opening half, with Patrick Wessler leading the way. Wessler finished with a game-high 29 points and seven rebounds, shooting 10-of-11 from the field and making all nine of his free throws.

Head coach Takayo Siddle credited Wessler’s offseason conditioning for his early success.

“He’s gotten himself in better shape. He looks different, he’s moving different, so I would point to that being a huge reason why he’s been able to go out and produce like he has been,” Siddle said.

Gavin Walsh also delivered a strong performance, finishing with 17 points and connecting on three 3-pointers.

“You could tell he was motivated to get right,” Siddle said. “I thought he played a really good game, pretty flawless to be honest.”

Kent State made a push in the second half, outscoring UNCW after halftime, but the Golden Flashes were unable to overcome the early deficit.

Siddle praised his team’s performance while acknowledging there is still room for improvement.

“We are a little bit further along than they are. We still have a long ways to go, but I give credit to that program. That’s a great series,” Siddle said. “I’m glad we could split it after what they did to us last year. Very proud of our guys. We played a really good game.”

Wednesday’s matchup also served as UNCW’s Military Appreciation Game, honoring those who have served in the armed forces.

The win came amid more excitement surrounding the program following the signing of four-star forward Aaron Webb, the highest-rated recruit to sign with the program.

“It’s the highest-rated recruit that we’ve signed in school history, so that’s something to be proud of,” Siddle said. “Positional size, great skill, athletic. Think he’s going to be a really, really good player here.”

The Seahawks will look to remain unbeaten when they return to Trask Coliseum on Saturday to host Louisiana at 7 p.m.