DURHAM, N.C. (Interstat) — The UNC Wilmington Seahawks used a dominant third-quarter surge to overcome a resilient North Carolina Central squad, securing a 78-68 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball matchup Friday night at a sparsely attended McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium.

In a game that defied pregame statistical projections, the Seahawks evened their early-season record at 1-1, while the Eagles remained winless through their first two contests. The result was an upset according to Interstat’s ELO system, which had given the home-standing Eagles a 54.3 percent probability of victory.

The contest was a tale of contrasting halves and explosive runs, with UNC Wilmington seizing control immediately after the halftime break. The Seahawks established an early lead, outscoring the Eagles 21-10 in the opening period. However, North Carolina Central settled in during the second quarter, chipping away at the deficit and heading into the locker room with the Seahawks holding a 35-25 advantage.

Any momentum the Eagles carried from their stronger second quarter was swiftly extinguished in the third. UNC Wilmington’s offense erupted, putting together a decisive 27-point quarter that overwhelmed the Eagles, who managed just 15 points in response. The Seahawks’ burst effectively put the game out of reach, giving them a commanding 62-40 lead heading into the final ten minutes.

Facing a 22-point deficit, North Carolina Central mounted a furious comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. The Eagles’ offense finally found a consistent rhythm, unleashing a 28-point period, their highest-scoring quarter of the young season. They aggressively attacked the basket, a strategy reflected in their 34 points scored in the paint, nearly double the Seahawks’ 18.

Despite the late-game push from the Eagles, which saw them outscore UNC Wilmington by 12 points in the final frame, the Seahawks’ massive third-quarter lead proved insurmountable. UNC Wilmington managed 16 points in the fourth to stave off the comeback and secure the double-digit road win.

The game’s statistical profile highlighted the different paths to scoring for each team. While North Carolina Central owned the interior, UNC Wilmington capitalized more effectively on opponent mistakes, scoring 23 points off turnovers compared to the Eagles’ 21. The Seahawks’ scoring was also more balanced across the quarters, whereas the Eagles’ production was heavily skewed toward their desperate fourth-quarter rally.

The loss extends a challenging opening stretch for North Carolina Central, which opened its season on Monday with a 90-42 road loss against a powerhouse North Carolina team. The Eagles will look to regroup and secure their first win when they return to McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium to host UNC Asheville next Thursday.

For UNC Wilmington, the victory serves as a bounce-back performance after a season-opening 82-63 defeat at the hands of East Carolina this past Monday. The Seahawks demonstrated an ability to close out a game on the road, a positive sign as they look to build momentum. Their schedule continues next Wednesday when they return home to Wilmington to face Coastal Carolina.

The Eagles’ upcoming slate remains demanding, featuring a road game against Wake Forest on Nov. 20 and a visit to perennial national contender South Carolina on Dec. 7. UNC Wilmington’s next ten games are a mix of home and road non-conference tests, including a trip to face in-state rival North Carolina on Dec. 17.

In a contest defined by runs, the Seahawks’ third-quarter explosion was the defining sequence, providing the necessary cushion to withstand a late scare and depart Durham with a victory.