WASHINGTON – Donovan Newby shone with a commanding 24-point performance, leading UNC Wilmington to a tense 68-67 victory over Charleston in the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament semifinals on Monday night. Bo Montgomery was crucial in the win, sinking two pivotal free throws with just three seconds on the clock.
The Seahawks, the tournament’s second seed, whose record now stands at 26-7, are set to face off against No. 12 seed Delaware (16-19) in the championship game on Tuesday. This matchup’s winner will secure an automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament. Delaware, displaying impressive form, overcame the top-seeded Towson with an 82-72 triumph to earn their place in the championship.
Charleston, seeded third with a season record of 24-9, started strong in the second half after trailing by ten points at halftime, 40-30. The Cougars clawed back to seize a 57-55 advantage, courtesy of two free throws by Derrin Boyd, with just over five minutes remaining. Lazar Djokovic then extended Charleston’s lead to 64-61 with a successful trip to the free-throw line at 2:08 left on the clock.
Newby, however, responded assertively, first with a pair of free throws and then a critical 3-pointer, which propelled UNC Wilmington back into the lead. Montgomery further extended the Seahawks’ advantage to 68-64 before Deywilk Tavarez nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for Charleston.
Newby’s performance was bolstered by his shooting accuracy, going 7 of 19 from the field, inclusive of a 5 for 12 mark from beyond the arc, and a perfect 5 for 5 from the stripe. Khamari McGriff also contributed significantly to UNC Wilmington’s effort, adding 10 points, pulling down six rebounds, and recording four blocks.
Boyd was instrumental for the Cougars, leading his team with 18 points and eight rebounds. CJ Fulton provided support with 12 points, five assists, and three steals, while Tavarez chipped in with 11 points and four assists.
Delaware’s path to the championship game has been marked by a series of upsets. The Blue Hens bested No. 13 seed Stony Brook, No. 5 Campbell, No. 4 William & Mary, and finally, Towson, achieving these victories over a marathon stretch of four back-to-back days. Meanwhile, UNC Wilmington had the advantage of a bye, allowing them to enter the fray by dispatching No. 10 seed Hampton in their quarterfinal matchup.
