WILMINGTON, N.C. – Host UNC Wilmington started quickly, outscoring Norfolk State by 16 in the first quarter en route to a 67-47 win over the Spartans on Wednesday afternoon in the season opener for both teams at Trask Coliseum.

Camille Downs scored 21 points and Mary McMillan 16 to lead UNCW, which improved to 5-0 all-time against the Spartans. Jalynn Holmes paced NSU with 13 points and Shekinah Howard chipped in with 10, but the Spartans couldn't overcome the early deficit and UNCW's 55-29 rebounding edge.

McMillan scored seven points in the opening period for the Seahawks, who hit 9-of-20 from the floor while holding NSU to 2-of-14 shooting in the quarter. A put-back by Carol-Anne Obusek in the final minute pushed UNCW's lead to 23-7 as the quarter came to a close.

NSU used an 8-0 run in the second quarter to get within striking distance. Then in the third quarter, Jaiden Morris hit a pair of 3-pointers to bring NSU within 41-35, its smallest deficit since the first quarter.

But McMillan scored six points as UNCW closed the quarter on a 12-3 spurt over the final five minutes, stretching the Seahawks' lead back to double digits. It remained at least a 12-point margin the rest of the way.

In her first game as a Spartan, Holmes also led the squad with seven rebounds and three steals. Howard scored her 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting off the bench, while Morris added nine points and four rebounds. Armani Franklin and Ta'Liyah Edmonds grabbed five rebounds apiece, with Franklin leading the team with four assists.

Taylor Webster led all players with 19 rebounds for the taller Seahawks, who scored 14 second-chance points off 19 offensive rebounds.

The Spartans play their home opener on Sunday, when they welcome Salem University to Echols Hall for a 4 p.m. contest.