WILMINGTON, N.C. - Basketball season at UNC Wilmington got off to an electric start late Friday as the men's and women's teams thrilled fans with a deft display of 3-point shooting and the annual slam dunk contest during "Midnite Madness" activities at Trask Coliseum.

      A crowd estimated at more than 2,000 fans gathered from 9:30-11 p.m. to meet the new teams of Coach Benny Moss and Coach Ann Hancock. The fun-filled night capped a full week on campus that included an ice cream social, various games, Sammy C. Hawk sightings and other activities.

      Friday's festivities began with the annual Trask Trek when students and fans met at The Seahawk Village clubhouse for the short walk to Trask Coliseum.

       Midnite Madness, hosted by radio personality Bigg B from Coast 97.3 Radio, convened at 9:30 p.m, and included performances by Sammy C. Hawk and UNCW's spirit groups. A "UNCW's Got Talent" contest was held and students participated in a shot contest to win free books for a semester.

      In Friday's contests, junior guard Chad Tomko defeated sophomore Julia Finlay for the 3-point crown and junior guard Darryl Felder won the dunk contest.

      The men's team makes its first public appearance on Saturday, Nov. 7, when North Greenville visits Trask Coliseum for a 7 p.m. exhibition game. The women, meanwhile, will entertain UNC Pembroke on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in a 7 p.m. exhibition tilt.

      Season tickets still remain for Seahawk basketball. For more information, visit UNCWsports.com or call 910-962-3233.