Norfolk, Va. -- The University of North Carolina-Wilmington staked theirclaim to the top spot in the CAA Tournament this evening with a 62-59victory over the host Monarchs. With the win, Wilmington improves to 18-9,11-5 CAA, and is guaranteed the top seed in next week's tournament. OldDominion falls to 12-17, 7-9 CAA.
In a game that featured seven lead changes, it was the Seahawks who madethe key plays down the stretch. Wilmington's last six points of the gamecame on free throws courtesy of Ed Williams and Barron Thelmon, but it wastheir defense that saved the effort in the waning moments. After guardBrett Blizzard missed two free throws with nine seconds remaining, OldDominion took the ball down the court but could not get off the tying shotat the buzzer due to the swarming Seahawk defenders.Blizzard scored a game high 18 points, 12 of which came in the second half.Forward Ed Williams contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds for the win.Old Dominion, which lost for the first time at the ODU fieldhouse thisyear, was led by Andre McCullum's 15 points. Senior center Clifton Joneshad another record setting evening, scoring 14 points and hauling in a newcareer best 23 rebounds. The 23 boards is the most for a Monarch since1981, when Mark West recorded the same number. Jones' effort tonight alsoties him for fourth best all-time in CAA history for single game rebounds.UNCW shot .453 from the field compared to Old Dominion's .451, but theMonarchs held a 39-27 advantage in rebounds.
Old Dominion will take on William and Mary in the first round of the CAATournament. Game time is 1:00 p.m. Saturday.