The Elon Phoenix (14-11) visit UNC Wilmington to play the Seahawks (18-5) in what should be a fast-paced game. The game starts at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 11.
The Seahawks defeated Northeastern 90-73 the last time they played. Chris Flemmings was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 11-for-11 shooting. The Phoenix, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 81-77 loss against Towson in their last outing. Dmitri Thompson had a team-high 21 points.
Over the last five games, Flemmings has really been playing well for the Seahawks, averaging 21.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.8 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers.
The Seahawks could put on a ball-control clinic in this one. They’re ranked 23rd in the nation at avoiding errors (TO% of only 15.8%). Additionally, Elon forces the 51st-fewest turnovers in the nation (16.6%).
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Seahawks winning the first matchup 91-82. Craig Ponder had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 21 points, one rebound, five assists, four steals, and four three-pointers.
The Seahawks enter the game with records of 18-5 Straight Up (SU) and 11-8 Against The Spread (ATS). The Seahawks have no trouble scoring as they rank 19th in the nation in offense with 81.8 points per game. Turning to the defensive side, the Seahawks are the 20th-best team in the country at taking the ball away from their opponents, averaging 8.2 steals per game.
Across the court, the Phoenix have 14-11 SU and 9-9 ATS records. Elon may be taking trips to the free throw line early and often with the Seahawks averaging 24.1 fouls per game, one of the highest marks in Division I.
Following the Seahawks’ latest win over the Phoenix, their SU record against Elon moves to 6-1. Furthermore, with a 6-1 record, UNC Wilmington has the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – NC-Wil, ATS Winner – NC-Wil
Notes
UNC Wilmington is one of the top-scoring teams in the nation, averaging 81.8 points per game (ranked 19th). Elon, on the other hand, allows 77.1 points per game (ranked 220th).
UNC Wilmington is one of the top-scoring teams at home, averaging 85.3 points per game (ranked 23rd). Elon, on the other hand, allows 77.4 points per away game (ranked 182nd).
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks have a defensive rating of 98.5 (ranked 82nd), while the Elon Phoenix have an offensive rating of 106.4 (ranked 161st).
Elon has an average field goal percentage of 44.4%. UNC Wilmington is a winning 5-3 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks rank higher based on their field goal percentage (73rd) than their effective field goal percentage (105th). The Elon Phoenix rank higher based on their effective field goal percentage (79th) than their field goal percentage (155th).
Elon ranks 42nd in assists, recording 15.9 per game. UNC Wilmington performs worse at 126th with 14.1 assists per game.
UNC Wilmington, the 47th-ranked team in blocked shots, records an average of 4.8 per game. Elon does worse, ranked 314th with 2.2.
UNC Wilmington ranks 93rd in offensive rebounding. When it comes to defensive rebounds, Elon ranks 65th.
Making 8.2 steals per game, UNC Wilmington is ranked 20th in the country. Elon has a winning 6-3 record when it gives up at least 8 steals.
