WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging UNC Wilmington squad looks to continue its dominant start to Colonial Athletic Association play when it hosts a Campbell team coming off a heartbreaking loss on Saturday at Trask Coliseum.

The Seahawks (16-2, 4-0 CAA) have won eight straight games, including a 75-71 road victory at Stony Brook last Saturday. Nolan Hodge led the way with 22 points, continuing his standout season. The junior guard is averaging 18.2 points over his last six contests, providing consistent scoring for a balanced UNC Wilmington attack that has held opponents under 72 points in seven of its last eight wins.

Campbell (9-9, 2-3) arrives after a last-second 83-82 defeat at Elon, a game where standout guard DJ Smith poured in 32 points. Smith has been on a scoring tear, averaging 26.3 points over his last seven games, including four performances of 30 or more points. The Fightin’ Camels’ offense runs through him, but they have struggled on the road, posting a 2-6 record away from home with losses in their last three true road games.

The matchup pits one of the conference’s top offenses against its premier defense. Campbell averages 80.2 points per game but will face a Seahawks unit allowing just 66.2 points per contest, the best in the CAA. UNC Wilmington’s defense will be tasked with containing Smith, while Campbell must find a way to slow a Seahawks team that shares the ball effectively and has multiple scoring threats.

UNC Wilmington holds a distinct advantage in recent form and on its home floor, where it is 8-1 this season. Campbell’s hopes likely hinge on another explosive performance from Smith to counter the Seahawks’ depth and defensive pressure. The game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with a rematch scheduled for Feb. 21 in Buies Creek.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST as part of a full slate of CAA action.