WILMINGTON, N.C. -- UNC Wilmington reeled off 17 unanswered points early in the first half to break the game open and coasted to a 68-36 victory over longtime rival Campbell Wednesday night at Trask Coliseum.
The Seahawks, who defeated Southern California in the first round of the 2002 NCAA Tournament before losing to finalist Indiana, evened their record at 3-3 on the season and improved to 52-39 lifetime against the Camels. Campbell now stands 2-2 this season and dropped its 19th in 21 outings at Trask.
Seniors Craig Callahan and Brett Blizzard combined for 20 and 19 points, respectively, to pace the Seahawks. Callahan collected a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Blizzard poured in 19 on 6-of-10 shooting.
Sophomore forward Dominique Klein came off the bench to pace the Camels with nine points and nine caroms.
After building a 35-17 cushion at halftime, the Seahawks scored the first two baskets of the second half and pushed their lead to as many as 34 points down the stretch. Callahan's third dunk of the game capped a 10-point run that hiked UNCW's lead to 57-28 with 9:21 left, and Andy Gunn's transition layup with 1:21 showing gave the Seahawks a 68-34 bulge.
Overall, UNCW held the Camels to season-lows in points in a half (17), total points (36) and field goal percentage (.304) and scored 27 points off 17 Campbell turnovers in the contest. The Seahawks also owned a 36-25 advantage in rebounding.
Campbell grabbed a brief 4-1 lead on Brad McKeiver's bucket at 18:29 before the Seahawks went on their 17-0 run to take command. Blizzard scored 10 points in the rally, including a 3-pointer with 10:25 remaining that pushed UNCW ahead, 18-4.
The Fighting Camels' 36-point output tied a school record for fewest points scored in a game since the Camels joined the Division I ranks in 1977-78. CU tallied just 36 points vs. High Point on Dec. 1, 1980, then had just 36 at N.C. State on Nov. 18, 1998.
The Seahawks break for exams before completing a two-game homestand on Saturday, Dec. 21, against Texas-San Antonio. Campbell visits UNC Asheville on Saturday, Dec. 14, for a 7 p.m. tipoff. [Box Score]