Sea Devils Win in OT

Cape Fear dramatically won another home game, February 20, outlasting Southwest Virginia 60-57 in overtime in Wilmington.

The Sea Devils built an early edge, leading 12-9 after the first quarter and carrying a 28-25 advantage into halftime. Behind strong interior play and defensive pressure, Cape Fear stretched the lead to 44-37 after three quarters. But Southwest Virginia refused to go away, holding the Sea Devils to just eight points in the fourth to force overtime, tied at 52.

That's when the poise showed up.

Cara Trippett delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, finishing with 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including three three-pointers. None was bigger than the clutch jumper out of a late timeout that tied the game and sent it into overtime.

Yamorie Hardison controlled the offensive attack with 23 points and nine rebounds, consistently attacking the rim and drawing contact. Kelize Velez-Galan powered her way to a double-double with 13 points and a commanding 15 rebounds, anchoring Cape Fear's presence on the glass. Jaeden Hudson added eight rebounds and seven assists, helping facilitate an offense that assisted on 17 of its 22 made field goals.

In overtime, Cape Fear tightened defensively and won the rebounding battle when it mattered most, limiting second-chance opportunities down the stretch.

"This was a great way to finish a long stretch of games," Havens said. "We stayed together, we kept competing, and when things got tight, we trusted each other."

Cape Fear shot 75 percent from the free-throw line and did just enough in the extra session to secure the 60-57 victory.

The Sea Devils wrap up their regular season on Wednesday as they host rival Brunswick CC. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. in the Schwartz Center.