NC Wilmington at Illinois State

A 7-22 season under new coach Benny Moss was truly a disappointment. When T.J. Carter went down with an injury before the season even started, it was destined to be a long year. Carter is back, and he is a potential conference player of the year. There is also wide-bodied Vladimir Kuljanin at 6'-10" 265, who is among the best in the post in the CAA. If his 25 point, 18-rebound performance against Charleston is any indication of his improvement Wilmington is going to challenge for the top in the CAA. Daniel Fountain has also improved immensely. Fountain averaged 10 points per game a year ago and poured in 27 in the opener. Carter answered the call as the PG situation is tenuous, with nine assists, so his presence is felt in many ways. Illinois State will be under the direction of new coach Tim Jankovich, and there is a lot of talent, but it may take some time to get things going. Two easy wins for a 2-0 start means this will be their first true challenge. Levi Dyer is the only returning double-digit scorer, but the Redbirds are a pretty balanced team. Greg Dilligard may be missed as he was the inside presence that may be absent this year, and with Kuljanin looking good for NCW, he could cause some matchup issues. NCW has the firepower to stay within striking distance here and we will ride them with the generous points.