Free throw shooting was the key for the Seahawks in overtime on Satuday as they topped the Hofstra Pride 87-83 in their Colonial Athletic Conference opener.

During the bonus frame, the Seahawks were a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe while Hofstra was just 2-for-7. The five point difference could have given the Pride the win in overtime; they shot just 54% from the line for the game.
UNCW, now 5-2 on the season and winners of their last four games, converted on just eleven of thirty-five shots in the first half (31.4%) and trailed by six at the break, 34-28. They weren’t able to get in the groove offensively until the second half when they burried 19 of their 28 shots, 67.9%, including five of seven from three point land. The Seahawks took a five point lead with 3:45 left to play in regulation, but the Pride kept the Hawks within range and trailed by just one, 75-74, down the stretch. Needing possession, Hofstra fouled TJ Carter, who nailed both free throws with just five ticks left on the clock, giving UNCW a three point lead. With the game almost in hand, the Seahawks saw that lead dissapate as Nathaniel Lester hit a three to tie the game at 77.
While UNCW was able to hit just one field goal in overtime, their eight free throws were enough to propel them to the victory and gave them a big conference win on the road, which is always a bonus.
Senior guard T.J. Carter paced the Seahawks with an all-around game before fouling out with one minute to play in overtime. The Mechanicsville, Md., performer wound up with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists without a turnover in 34 minutes of action.
Senior center Vladimir Kuljanin contributed 18 points and 16 rebounds for his third double-double of the season and the 11th of his career. Senior forward Todd Hendley added 15 points, senior guard Daniel Fountain scored 11 and sophomore guard Josh Sheets and freshman guard Chad Tomko chipped in 10 points apiece.
NOTES: Six players scored for the Seahawks all six were in double figures…UNCW had 20 assists on 31 baskets…Sophomore guard Josh Sheets scored eight of his career-high 10 points in the second half…Senior center Vladimir Kuljanin had seven offensive rebounds and nine defensive boards…Hofstra starter Zygis Sestokas did not score …UNCW connected on 17-of-19 free throws to raise its season percentage to 79.8 percent…The Seahawks went 1-of-6 from the floor in the overtime session…Senior guard Daniel Fountain played a team-high 43 minutes…The Seahawks and Pride have played into overtime in three of the last six matchups.