Delaware Faces UNC Wilmington in CAA Championship Showdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) men’s basketball championship is set for tonight at 7 p.m. ET, pitting the surprising Delaware Blue Hens against the second-seeded UNC Wilmington Seahawks at the CareFirst Arena.

Delaware, a No. 12 seed, has made history by becoming the first double-digit seed to reach the CAA championship game. Their journey has been marked by impressive defensive performances, limiting each opponent to fewer than 80 points throughout the tournament. In the semifinals held on March 10, the Blue Hens overcame the top-seeded Towson, showcasing their resilience and determination.

“We’ve had an incredible run so far. Our focus is on playing strong defense and taking advantage of our opportunities,” said Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby. “Regardless of the outcome tonight, this team has made history.”

UNC Wilmington enters the game with momentum as well, having secured a spot in the championship after defeating two-time defending champions Charleston and Hampton. As the No. 2 seed, they also enjoyed a bye to the quarterfinals, making them one of the freshest teams in the tournament.

“We’re excited for this opportunity. Our aim is to be aggressive and play our style of basketball,” commented UNCW coach Takayo Siddle. “This is March, and anything can happen.”

In their semifinal victories, both teams demonstrated contrasting styles. Delaware relied heavily on defense, while UNC Wilmington’s offense capitalized on their ability to transition quickly and score efficiently. In the first half of the championship game, the Seahawks overcame the Blue Hens to lead 36-28 at halftime, underscoring their offensive cohesiveness.

Statistical highlights from the first half included UNC Wilmington shooting at an impressive 43% from the field, compared to Delaware’s 31%. The Blue Hens struggled from beyond the arc, making only three out of eleven attempts. Free throw performance remained a strong point for Delaware, who hit 82% of their free throws in the first half.

The matchup features a blend of experience and youthful energy, as Delaware’s freshman guard Izaiah Pasha continues to make an impact on the court, while UNCW’s senior leadership aims to harness its experience for a championship run.

The stage is set for an action-packed evening as fans anticipate which team will claim the CAA title and secure a spot in the upcoming NCAA tournament. The game will be aired live on CBS Sports Network and streamed on FuboTV.