The nation’s longest men’s college basketball winning streak stayed intact as College of Charleston beat UNC Wilmington on Wednesday at Trask Coliseum in Wilmington, 71-69. 

Charleston is now atop the Colonial Athletic Association and has still not lost a basketball game since early November. 

But this win wasn't easy. 

Leading by 11 at halftime, UNCW rallied in the second half to take the lead with less than five minutes to play. Charleston retook it on a layup and free throw by Ryan Larson, 70-69. UNC Wilmington had several opportunities to win the game in the final minute, including watching a shot at the buzzer rim out. 

After never trailing in the game, UNCW used an 8-0 run in the final 10 minutes to lead by as many as four points. 

Charleston, facing a raucous sellout crowd on the road, rallied back with a three-pointer by Ante Brzovic with 2:15 to play, followed by an and-one layup from Larson to regain the lead. 

Dalton Bolon scored 16 points for Charleston, tied with UNCW's Trazarien White for the game-high.  

The loss snaps a 13-game winning streak by the Seahawks, who are in second-place in the CAA.  

The game, which featured the two longest win streaks in college basketball, captured the attention of the college hoops world on Wednesday, two days after Hall of Fame announcer Dick Vitale pointed the matchup out on Monday. 

Some hoop schools that need some PR Baby ! @CofCBasketball 16-1 COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON & @uncwmenshoops 14-3 UNC WILMINGTON both 4-0 in conf. have showdown Wednesday. A key @CAA_Basketball battle . COLONIAL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION features quality competition.

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 9, 2023

Here Are Some Twitter Reactions From Charleston Vs. UNCW

Another Win For Charleston As The Cougars Keep Rolling

Successful Business Trip 💼#OurCity 🌴🏀 pic.twitter.com/Ju4QTKtVy5

— Charleston Basketball (@CofCBasketball) January 12, 2023

Charleston Basketball Makes CAA History With Win

No. 22 @CofCBasketball perseveres on the road and is now 17-1 to start the year!

With Wednesday's victory, Charleston is off to the best 18-game start in men's #CAAHoops history. https://t.co/rWeM9YR7sE

— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) January 12, 2023

Ryan Larsen Comes Up Big As Charleston Retakes The Lead

And-one for the lead!

The tough take from Ryan Larson puts @CofCBasketball back in front with 93 seconds to play.#CAAHoops on @FloHoops:
📺 https://t.co/wNpIZzCxfq pic.twitter.com/SW5GoPAp5x

— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) January 12, 2023

Charleston Coach Pat Kelsey Is In The Discussion For National Coach Of The Year 

No. 22 Charleston just won on the road at UNCW, which on paper was its toughest league game in the CAA this season.

Pat Kelsey's team has won 16 straight, longest in the nation, and is building a viable at-large résumé.

Kelsey also deserving of NCOY discussion at this point.

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) January 12, 2023

Jeff Goodman Credits Jaylon Scott's Defense Down The Stretch

No. 22 Charleston improves to 17-1 and extends nation-best winning streak to 16 games with a huge road 71-69 win at UNCW.

Wofford transfer Ryan Larson with a huge 3 in the final minute, and Jaylon Scott with a big-time defensive play to help secure the win.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 12, 2023

UNC Wilmington Fans Came Out In Force For Charleston Game

🏊‍♂️ supporting 🏀.@uncwswimdive bringing the energy to the @uncwmenshoops student section.#CAAHoops pic.twitter.com/dERnIDnhmm

— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) January 12, 2023

When Does College Of Charleston Play UNCW Basketball Again?

The two teams will play again 7 p.m. ET on Feb. 8 in Charleston.