Since moving from the MEAC to the CAA, the Pirates have struggled to gain momentum.

In 2022-23, Hampton's first year in the CAA, the Pirates lost their first three league games and finished 5-13 in CAA play. A year later, they finished 3-15 losing their first 13 conference contests. In Coach Ivan Thomas's first season, Hampton lost its first three league games before finishing a much improved 8-10.

But 2025-26 has been a different story. For the first time since 2020-21 when Hampton was a member of the Big South Conference, Hampton won its league opener with a 62-59 triumph over Stony Brook. Two days later, the Pirates knocked off Towson 63-62. The Tigers were tabbed as favorites to crown in a vote of the league's coaches.

Now the Pirates face another stern test. UNCW finished 27-8 a year ago, won the conference tournament and earned an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. The Seahawks are off to a 13-2 start this year.

The Game
The Hampton-UNCW game pits two of the four teams tied for first place in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

The Pirates (8-7, 2-0) played two ACC teams (Virginia and Boston College) and notched a 63-62 win over CAA favorite Towson in their last game.

UNCW won the CAA tournament last year and advanced to the NCAA Tournament posting a 27-8 record. The Seahawks come into the game with a 13-2 mark including league wins over North Carolina A&T and Drexel.

Hampton's physical, all-out style of play helped propel the Pirates to their first winning season in five years with a 17-16 mark in 2024-25.

While notching victories in their first two league games, Hampton played without the services of Michael Eley (11.8 ppg), the team's leading scorer. In addition, starting center Josh Ogundele missed the Towson game as several players suffered the effects of the flu including Coach Ivan Thomas.

Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt (11.7 ppg) came up big against Towson with 15 points including Hampton's final seven points in a 63-62 win. Xzavier Long (9.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg) and Daniel Johnson (9.7 ppg) lead Hampton's balanced offense.

The Seahawks boast five double figure scorers including: Nolan Hodge (16.4 ppg), Madison Durr (11.9 ppg), Patrick Wessler (11.5 ppg), Noah ross (10.3 ppg), Christian May (10.1 ppg).