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UNCW Seahawks Face Charleston Cougars in CAA Title Showdown
The 2026 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men's Basketball Championship game is poised to be a thrilling contest between the UNC Wilmington (UNCW) Seahawks and the College of Charleston Cougars.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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The 2026 CAA Men's Basketball Championship game will feature a matchup between the UNCW Seahawks and the College of Charleston Cougars. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with UNCW relying on a balanced attack led by senior guard Ja'Shontee Fitzgerald and Charleston boasting a high-powered offense fueled by the duo of guard Tristan Ammons and forward Ben Burnham. The game, scheduled for February 8th at the sold-out Trask Coliseum in Wilmington, North Carolina, will determine the CAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Why it matters
This championship game is a highly anticipated matchup between two of the CAA's top teams. The Seahawks and Cougars split their regular season series, adding to the intrigue of the contest. The winner will earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, a significant accomplishment for the program and a chance to compete on the national stage.
The details
The Seahawks, led by Head Coach Takayo Siddle, have navigated a challenging season with grit and determination, relying on their balanced attack and defensive intensity. The Cougars, under the guidance of Head Coach Pat Kelsey, have been a force on the offensive end, averaging 82.1 points per game. The battle in the backcourt between UNCW's Ja'Shontee Fitzgerald and Charleston's Tristan Ammons, as well as the matchup between UNCW's Reece Johnson and Charleston's Ante Brzovic, will be crucial in determining the outcome.
- The 2026 CAA Men's Basketball Championship game is scheduled for February 8th, 2026.
- UNCW defeated Charleston 78-72 in Wilmington on January 12th, 2026.
- Charleston defeated UNCW 85-79 in Charleston on February 3rd, 2026.
The players
Ja'Shontee Fitzgerald
The Seahawks' leading scorer and a clutch performer, averaging 18.5 points per game.
Reece Johnson
A dominant presence in the paint for UNCW, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game.
Tristan Ammons
The Cougars' floor general, showcasing exceptional court vision and scoring ability.
Ben Burnham
A versatile scoring threat for Charleston, capable of hitting shots from both inside and outside the arc.
Ante Brzovic
Charleston's forward, who will be involved in a physical matchup with UNCW's Reece Johnson in the paint.
What’s next
The winner of the 2026 CAA Championship game will earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
The takeaway
This championship game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the CAA's top teams, with the winner earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The matchup between UNCW's defensive prowess and Charleston's offensive firepower will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
