Hofstra Pride (24-8) vs UNC Wilmington Seahawks (22-9)
Game Info: Monday, March 6, 2023 at 6:00 pm (Entertainment & Sports Arena)
Betting Odds: Hofstra Pride -6 -- Over/Under: 135 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The NC-Wilmington Seahawks and the Hofstra Pride will meet in Washington DC to battle in the semifinals of the CAA Championship at the Entertainment & Sports Arena on CBSSN. Hofstra leads the all-time series, 26-23, after winning six of the last seven matches.
Wilmington moved to 23-9 after beating Drexel in the quarterfinals. The Seahawks trailed the Dragons at the break, but a strong second half would lead to a five-point victory, 73-68. Wilmington is scoring 68.8 points per game, while allowing 64.0 ppg, and shooting 44.2% from the field.
UNC-Wilmington’s play has tailed off towards the end of the season, but all of that can change with a strong effort here in DC. Sophomore forward Trazarien White will look for different results after struggling in the first meeting with Hofstra, but he leads Wilmington in scoring (13.9) and rebounding (5.7). Former NDSU guard Maleeck Harden-Hayes scored 13 points against the Pride back in January, and he’s second on the team at 9.8 ppg.
Hofstra improved 24-8 after beating William & Mary in the quarterfinals. The Pride flexed on the Tribe early and often, and ended their season with a 48-point win, 94-46. Hofstra is scoring 74.2 points per game, while allowing 69.5 ppg, and shooting 48% from the field.
Hofstra destroyed William & Mary on Sunday to mark their twelve straight win, and they look like the favorites to win the CAA. The Pride often go as far as Aaron Estrada takes them night in and night out, and after posting a 22-point double-double against the Tribe, he’s leading the team in scoring (20.3), rebounding (5.4), and assists (4.1). Sacred Heart transfer Tyler Thomas has scored 22 points or more in four of the last six games, and he’s second on the team at 16.2 ppg. in the win over Delaware, he’s averaging 13.7 ppg.
Wilmington is 14-13-2 against the spread this season, with a 13-15-1 over/under record. Hofstra is 20-10 ATS this year, with a 15-15 o/u record.
Hofstra’s momentum is too much to ignore coming into this contest, and I believe it carries into Monday evening’s contest. The Pride can overwhelm a limited Wilmington team on the offensive side of the ball, and they should be able to advance here. The Seahawks lack the gunners to keep up with Aaron Estrada and Tyler Thomas, and it’s unlikely they prevent the Pride from controlling the pace of this game. Trust Hofstra to win their 13th straight game, and take their spread for this CAA Semifinal.
Corey’s Pick Hofstra -6
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
