UNCW to host first postseason basketball tournament game

Seahawks will play in NIT second round

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of a college basketball game, with players and the crowd rendered in an abstract, cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the intense energy and action of a UNCW basketball game, as the Seahawks host their first ever postseason tournament matchup.Wilmington Today

The UNCW men's basketball team will host a second round matchup in the National Invitation Tournament against either Dayton or Bradley. Coming off a thrilling come-from-behind 68-67 victory over Yale Tuesday night in the opening round, it will be the first post-season tournament home game in the Seahawks' home floor.

Why it matters

This is a significant milestone for the UNCW basketball program, as they will be hosting their first ever postseason tournament game at their home arena, Trask Coliseum. Hosting a tournament game provides a boost in exposure and excitement for the team and the university.

The details

UNCW fell behind 9-0 early against Yale, and trailed by 14 points in the second half before mounting a furious comeback. Christian May's three-pointer with 34 seconds left in the game put UNCW ahead for good. UNCW season ticket holders will have the opportunity to claim their tickets for Saturday's game for 24 hours beginning at 1 p.m. today, and any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public after that.

  • The UNCW men's basketball team won their opening round NIT game against Yale on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • UNCW season ticket holders can claim tickets for the second round NIT game starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
  • The second round NIT game will be played on Saturday, March 22, 2026.

The players

UNCW

The University of North Carolina Wilmington men's basketball team.

Takayo Siddle

The head coach of the UNCW men's basketball team.

Christian May

A player on the UNCW men's basketball team who hit the game-winning three-pointer against Yale.

Dayton

A team that UNCW could potentially play in the second round of the NIT.

Bradley

A team that UNCW could potentially play in the second round of the NIT.

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What’s next

The winner of the Dayton vs. Bradley game on Thursday, March 20, 2026 will play UNCW in the second round of the NIT on Saturday, March 22, 2026.

The takeaway

UNCW's men's basketball team has the opportunity to host their first ever postseason tournament game, which is a significant milestone for the program. This will provide a boost in exposure and excitement for the team and the university, as they look to advance further in the NIT tournament.