WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks delivered a decisive 87-57 victory over the visiting Navy Midshipmen in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday afternoon at a raucous Trask Coliseum.

A crowd of 5,220 watched as the Seahawks, improving to 6-1 overall, seized control of the contest from the opening tip and never relented, building a 26-point halftime lead that effectively stifled any hope of a Navy comeback. The Midshipmen, who entered the game with a .500 record, fell to 4-4 on the season.

The game’s trajectory was set in the first half, where UNC Wilmington’s multifaceted attack proved overwhelming. The Seahawks exploded for 45 points before the break, while their defense held Navy to a paltry 19. The Midshipmen showed more life in the second half, scoring 38 points, but could not significantly dent the massive deficit as the Seahawks added 42 points of their own to maintain their comfortable margin.

UNC Wilmington’s victory was a product of balanced and prolific individual performances. Patrick Wessler, the 7-foot center from Matthews, North Carolina, was a dominant force in the paint. In just 18 minutes of action, Wessler recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, setting an aggressive tone early with his work on both backboards and at the rim.

He was complemented superbly by Christian May, a 6-foot-5 guard from Edinburg, Virginia, who stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block in 29 minutes. May’s versatility and scoring punch from the perimeter were instrumental in stretching the Navy defense.

Further illustrating the Seahawks’ depth, Noah Ross of Apex, North Carolina, came within a rebound of his own double-double, finishing with 15 points and nine boards. The 6-foot-7 forward also contributed an assist, a block and two steals, showcasing his disruptive presence on the defensive end.

For Navy, the offensive burden fell heavily on the shoulders of guard Austin Benigni. The 5-foot-10 junior from The Woodlands, Texas, fought tirelessly, logging a game-high 35 minutes and scoring 25 points. He was the primary source of offense for the Midshipmen, attacking the basket and drawing fouls, but received insufficient support to mount a serious challenge.

The only other Navy player to reach double figures was Jinwoo Kim of Overland Park, Kansas, who provided 16 points off the bench, including several three-pointers in the second half. Aidan Kehoe, a 6-foot-10 forward from Montvale, New Jersey, battled inside for eight points and seven rebounds but was often outmatched by UNC Wilmington’s taller and deeper frontcourt.

The Seahawks’ supporting cast ensured there would be no letdown. Madison Durr, a guard from Atlanta, Georgia, chipped in 13 points and four assists, while Nolan Hodge of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Gavin Walsh of Baltimore, Maryland, each added 10 points. Makoi Mabor Makoi, a 6-foot-11 presence from South Sudan, controlled the glass with seven rebounds in 21 minutes, further emphasizing UNC Wilmington’s overwhelming interior advantage.

From the outset, the Seahawks established their dominance. Wessler won the opening tip and quickly scored the game’s first basket, a layup just 22 seconds in. This initiated a pattern of relentless execution. UNC Wilmington’s ball movement and offensive rebounding created a steady stream of high-percentage shots, while their defensive pressure forced Navy into difficult attempts and 15 total turnovers.

The first half was a series of Seahawk runs, with players like May, Ross, and Durr connecting from beyond the arc and Wessler controlling the interior. Every time Navy showed a flicker of momentum, such as a driving layup from Benigni, UNC Wilmington had an immediate answer, often in transition or with a second-chance bucket.

The game was a stark contrast to Navy’s previous outing, a 33-point rout of Gardner-Webb just two days prior. It also continued a strong early-season run for UNC Wilmington, which has now won six of its first seven games, its only loss coming on the road against Kent State.

Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. Navy is scheduled to play Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday, again in Wilmington, North Carolina, as part of a multi-team event. UNC Wilmington will also play host to Gardner-Webb on Saturday. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Seahawks were projected as overwhelming favorites with a 91.8 percent probability to win, a forecast they fulfilled with a comprehensive and convincing performance on their home court.