UNCW Men's Basketball Upset in CAA Tournament, Misses NCAA Bid

Seahawks won't return to March Madness after loss to Campbell in quarterfinals

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The UNC Wilmington men's basketball team, the top seed in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament, suffered an 85-70 upset loss to Campbell in the quarterfinals. The defeat ends the Seahawks' hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament this season, despite winning the regular season conference title.

Why it matters

UNCW was the favorite to win the CAA Tournament and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which they last reached in 2021. The loss is a disappointing end to what had been a strong season for the Seahawks, who won 26 games and only lost 6 times.

The details

UNCW led by double digits early, but Campbell mounted a comeback and took a two-point lead at halftime. The Fighting Camels then used a 16-0 run in the second half to pull away, leading by as many as 19 points. UNCW was unable to mount a serious comeback, despite strong performances from center Patrick Wessler (21 points, 13 rebounds) and guard Noah Ross.

  • The CAA Tournament quarterfinal game took place on March 9, 2026.
  • UNCW last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2021.

The players

Takayo Siddle

Head coach of the UNC Wilmington men's basketball team.

Patrick Wessler

Center for the UNC Wilmington Seahawks, who had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Noah Ross

Guard for the UNC Wilmington Seahawks.

D.J. Smith

Guard for the Campbell Fighting Camels, who scored 20 points in the win.

Jeremiah Johnson

Forward for the Campbell Fighting Camels, who scored 17 points and had 5 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud of this team, I'm proud of this program. We've done some special things. We're on win 26. We've only lost six times. Six times we've lost. What a special season we're having right now.”

— Takayo Siddle, Head Coach (WECT)

“All credit to Campbell, it was their day today. It hurts to be sitting up here after a loss, especially after what we were able to accomplish last year.”

— Noah Ross, Guard (WECT)

What’s next

The Seahawks will now turn their attention to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), which they haven't appeared in since 2001.

The takeaway

Despite a strong regular season, UNCW's upset loss in the CAA Tournament quarterfinals ends their hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament this year. The Seahawks will have to settle for a postseason berth in the NIT, a disappointing outcome after their conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance just last season.