CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — A pivotal Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup is set for Monday night as the first-place UNC Wilmington Seahawks visit the College of Charleston Cougars at TD Arena. The Seahawks (19-4, 8-2 CAA), who lead the conference standings, look to bounce back from a surprising 85-78 home loss to William & Mary on Thursday. That defeat snapped a strong stretch for a team that has been among the league’s most consistent. They are powered by guard Nolan Hodge, who is averaging 14.2 points per game and scored 22 in the recent loss. Hodge has been a focal point, topping 20 points in three of his last five contests. Charleston (16-8, 7-3) has won five of its last six games to climb into contention, most recently a 78-62 victory over North Carolina A&T. The Cougars’ surge has been fueled by dynamic guard Jlynn Counter, who is averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game. Counter is coming off a stretch that included a 28-point, 11-assist performance in a win at Northeastern and a 22-point effort in a tight victory at Hofstra. The game features a stark contrast in recent results. While UNCW aims to avoid its first two-game skid since December, the Cougars are playing their best basketball of the season, with their only loss since Jan. 15 coming in a double-overtime thriller at Stony Brook. Defense will be tested. The Seahawks, who held Hampton to 49 points earlier this month, face a Charleston offense averaging 78.8 points per game during its current hot streak. Containing Counter’s playmaking will be a primary challenge for the visiting Seahawks. This contest is the first of a regular-season series split, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 28 in Wilmington, N.C. Monday’s outcome could significantly reshape the top of the CAA standings with just over two weeks remaining in the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.