WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging UNC Wilmington squad looks to continue its dominant start when it hosts a streaky Hampton team in a Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Trask Coliseum.

The Seahawks (13-2) enter conference play as one of the nation’s early surprises, boasting a 9-1 record at home. Their only blemish in Wilmington was a 67-66 loss to Howard on Dec. 20. Since that defeat, UNCW has reeled off three consecutive wins, including a 65-53 victory over Drexel on Wednesday.

A key catalyst has been guard Nolan Hodge, who is averaging 17.8 points over his last five games. Hodge scored 24 points in a road win at North Carolina A&T on Dec. 29 and poured in 28 in a tight victory at Valparaiso on Dec. 13.

The Hampton Pirates (8-7) have shown resilience, winning three of their last four games, all by five points or fewer. They edged Towson 63-62 on Wednesday, with guard Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt scoring 15 points. Gaines-Wyatt has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 14.4 points per game over his last five contests, including a 22-point effort against Grambling.

The Pirates will need that scoring punch against a stout UNCW defense that has held opponents to 63.9 points per game. Hampton’s recent success has been fueled by balance; in the win over Towson, Daniel Johnson added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Elijah Kennedy contributed 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.

This game opens the CAA schedule for both teams. The Seahawks, with their strong record, are positioned as early conference favorites, while Hampton aims to prove its recent close-game fortitude can translate to a road upset. The teams will meet again in Hampton, Virginia, on Jan. 24.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.