WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging Monmouth team will look to continue its climb up the Colonial Athletic Association standings when it visits league-leading UNC Wilmington on Thursday afternoon at Trask Coliseum. The matchup pits two of the conference’s hottest teams against one another. The Seahawks (22-4, 11-2 CAA) have won eight of their last nine games and sit atop the league. The visiting Hawks (14-12, 8-5) have won four of their last five, including a dramatic 72-71 victory over Towson on Sunday and a 93-73 road rout of Drexel last Thursday. UNC Wilmington’s success has been built on balance and defense, holding opponents to an average of 65.2 points during its recent run. A key figure is 7-foot center Patrick Wessler, who is coming off an 18-point, 9-rebound performance in a 70-66 win over Hofstra. Wessler has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games, providing a consistent interior presence. Monmouth counters with its own momentum, fueled by guard Justin Ray. Ray scored 15 points in the win over Towson and erupted for 24 points, six rebounds and two assists in a Jan. 24 victory at Campbell. His backcourt mate, Kavion McClain, leads the team in assists and added 17 points and five assists against Towson. The Seahawks won the first meeting this season, 78-68, on Jan. 17 in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Wessler led all scorers with 19 points in that contest. For Monmouth, a win would solidify its position in the upper tier of the CAA and mark a signature road victory. For UNC Wilmington, it’s a chance to protect its home court and maintain its cushion in the race for the regular-season title. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.