WILMINGTON, N.C. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, UNC Wilmington emerged victorious against Marshall with a final score of 78-69, highlighted by a standout performance from Donovan Newby, who contributed 18 points to the Seahawks’ effort.

Newby showcased an efficient shooting display, connecting on 5 of his 10 attempts from the field, although he struggled from beyond the arc, going 0 for 3. He made the most of his opportunities at the charity stripe, converting 8 of 11 free-throw attempts. Alongside Newby, Sean Moore played a crucial role, scoring 14 points on 6 of 11 shooting, which included two successful 3-point attempts. Moore also dominated the boards with an impressive 16 rebounds. Khamari McGriff added 13 points, going a perfect 5 for 6 from the field and 3 for 3 from the free-throw line, also contributing six rebounds to the team’s solid performance.

For Marshall, the Thundering Herd, who now sit at 5-4 for the season, saw Mikal Dawson leading the team with 12 points while also adding two steals. Additionally, Nate Martin provided a valuable contribution with 10 points and nine rebounds. Dezayne Mingo also reached double figures, finishing with 10 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists, helping to keep the game competitive.

The pivotal moment in the game came with 12:17 left in the first half when UNC Wilmington gained the lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the contest. The halftime score reflected the Seahawks’ dominance at 44-34, with Moore being a key contributor with his 12 points by that time. Although UNC Wilmington was narrowly outscored by Marshall in the second half, with Newby leading his team with 12 points after the break, their strong first-half performance secured the victory.