Location: Winterville, NC

Updated Record: 5-1

Score: CFCC 73, Pitt 62

In Short: After a couple of hard-fought back-to-back games, the Sea Devils finished their last matchup before Thanksgiving break with a win.

Highlights: 

The Sea Devils started the game off on their back foot as the Pitt Bulldogs took control of the tempo early on. While it took a moment for the team to get on the same page, the Sea Devils fed off of each other's energy and were able to pick up a nice lead going into the first half. It became much easier for the Sea Devils to connect offensively and defend appropriately as the overall energy rose and key players also rose to the occasion to turn things around early on.

"Going into the second half, we had some really good energy from Linwood Grandy," remarked Head Coach Mark Lane. "He was a spark off the bench."

Freshman Jikari Johnson finished the game with 22 points to help the team notch their win over Pitt. Jakob Moore (Fr.) hit his stride during last night's matchup as Coach Lane noted him as a "Monster on the glass" for the Sea Devils. Moore finished the game with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

While the Sea Devils were able to fight back and finish the month out with another road win, the CFCC Coaching Staff has high expectations for their guys as they aim to make some crucial changes moving forward.

"[We] still have to learn how to put two halves together. I think that's been our biggest uphill battle in the first 6 games of the year," remarked Coach Lane. "[But] it's always good going into a break to end on a winning note."

Up Next: The Sea Devils will return to the Schwartz Center after the Thanksgiving holiday as they take on Hosanna Bible College on Thursday, December 2nd at 6 PM.

Location: Sanford, NC

Updated Record: 4-1

Score: CFCC 86, Central Carolina 77

In Short: While the Sea Devils started the game off-tempo, they were able to channel the energy they expressed in previous matchups to solidify a close win over the Central Carolina Cougars.

Highlights: 

The Sea Devils took the floor in the first half a bit off balance and out of sync compared to their previous string of home matchups in the Schwartz Center. The Cougars were able to break down weaknesses in the Sea Devils defense and draw fouls to support their lead throughout the first half - as the Cougars were 77% from the foul line. The Cougars were able to hold a solid zonal defense throughout most of the first half, making it challenging for the Sea Devils to penetrate in the paint and forcing them to take contested outside shots. However, the Sea Devils rallied moving into the Second Half and regained the focus and drive necessary to come out on top on Tuesday night.

"We started out very sluggish," remarked Head Coach Mark Lane. "It's never easy going on the road...but we continued to battle in the Second Half."

Freshman AJ Thompson lead the team in 28 points and was a tremendous asset to team morale and energy moving forward into the Second Half. Talton Jones (Soph.) cashed in at 26 points and utilized his veteran skill and leadership to push the team forward and end the game on a positive note.

"Overall, I was proud about how we played in the Second Half and battled back against a really good Central Carolina team," says Coach Lane.

Up Next: The Sea Devils have a quick turnaround as they will travel to Winterville, NC to take on Pitt CC on Thursday, November 18th at 7:00 PM.

Location: Joe & Barbara Schwartz Center - Downtown Wilmington, NC

Updated Record: 3-1

The CFCC Men's Basketball team took the court for the first time in their home arena this season to compete in the Cape Fear Classic this weekend. Coming off 1-1 road play last week in the Senators Tipoff Classic, the Sea Devils were able to hone in on some key takeaways from the past weekend and finished the Classic 2-0. The team's quick adjustments and coachability were showcased throughout the weekend as the Sea Devils' teamwork and comradery were on full display in the Schwartz Center on Friday and Saturday.

Friday, November 12th vs. College of Southern Maryland

Score: CFCC - 105, Southern Maryland - 76

In Short: The Sea Devils kicked off the Cape Fear Classic with energetic and dynamic play that ultimately set a winning tone for the rest of their weekend at home.

Highlights: 

"We came out with tremendous energy," recalled Head Coach Mark Lane. "Foot on the gas from the very beginning. We fed off of the crowd - which is what it's all about." The Sea Devils kicked off the Cape Fear Classic ready to prove themselves and showcase what their team is capable of on their home court in front of their home fans. Their team chemistry right out of the gate shined through as they moved the ball quickly, but with intention as they distributed along the perimeter until they found the right moments to attack. Freshman and Wilmington native Ja'Juan Carr lead the charge in locking down the Hawks on defense, while also proving to be a force to be reckoned with both in the paint and on the outside offensively. While the Sea Devils became somewhat complacent in their lead towards the end of the first half, they returned to the floor with the same energy they began with and kept increasing their lead through the very end.

Coming out strong in the second half, the Sea Devils were able to set each other up for success and extended their lead tremendously due to their selflessness throughout. Freshman Jakob Moore and Akhiris Holden both capitalized on key breakdowns in the Hawks' offense numerous times to aggressively take charge on offense and lengthen the team's lead. The Sea Devils kept pushing throughout the second half and ended their matchup with a solid win over Southern Maryland for their first home game of the season.

"[it was a] total team effort," said Coach Lane. "Proud of how we started and how we finished."

Saturday, November 13th vs. CCBC Dundalk

Score: CFCC 74, CCBC Dundalk 53

In Short: The Sea Devils managed to persevere in the face of adversity and make quick corrections moving into the second half to claim victory over the Lions.

Highlights:

Though the Sea Devils struggled to find their rhythm at first, they managed to string together enough solid defensive stops and key attacking moments to keep the CCBC Dundalk Lions at bay moving through the first half. It took a fair amount of defensive communication and decisive decision-making by the Sea Devils to keep the Lions honest throughout. A key turning point for the Sea Devils occurred when they were able to sync up with each other in the final minutes in the first half to move the ball quickly and end the half with a made basket. After finishing the half on a high note, the team regrouped and returned to the floor locked in and ready to finish the game strong.

The Sea Devils' play execution improved as the team began to feel much more comfortable throughout the second half. The team showcased their depth in the second half as players like Freshman Paul Jackson came off of the bench with great energy and skill to assist their teammates on the floor. "He went in there for two games and played his tail off," remarked Coach Mark Lane. Overall, the Sea Devils adjusted accordingly and finished the weekend with two great wins as they prepare for their next few away matchups this week.

"Happy with the team's effort [today]," as Coach Lane concluded. "Shoutout to the home crowds - they played a huge part in both games. Hopefully we can continue that throughout the season."

Up Next: The Sea Devils will travel to Sanford, NC as they take on Central Carolina Community College on Tuesday, November 16th at 7 PM.