Tyson helps ECU hold off Fresno State

By Al Myatt
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ESTERO, FL — Freshman guard B.J. Tyson scored East Carolina's last eight points, including all six of his free throw attempts down the stretch, as the Pirates held off Fresno State for a 58-52 win in the Gulf Coast Showcase on Tuesday afternoon.

Tyson finished with 22 points and sophomore Caleb White scored 16 for ECU (3-2), which will meet Hawaii at 2:30 p.m. today for fifth place in the event. The Rainbows improved to 5-2 Tuesday with a 62-55 win over Marist (0-4).

The Bulldogs (1-4) made a run to trim a 13-point Pirates lead to 50-48 with 3:13 remaining. A pair of free throws by Tyson and his fast break basket extended ECU's lead to six points with 43 seconds to go.

Tyson said he has confidence at the foul line.

"I get a little down and upset with myself when I miss my free throws because I know I'm not the type of player that misses free throws," Tyson said. "I try to take advantage of getting those free points every opportunity I get."

Tyson was 11-for-11 at the line in his fifth college game.

Michael Zangari gave the Pirates a boost inside with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Coach Jeff Lebo was pleased with how his short-handed group responded after a loss to Green Bay on Monday. Wing man Paris Roberts-Campbell and post player Marshall Guilmette are both out with injuries.

Down by four points with 12:53 left in the first half, ECU had a 22-5 run sparked by 10 straight points from White. The Bulldogs, who returned four starters from a team that posted 21 wins last season, went more than seven minutes in the first half without a field goal.

The Pirates led 31-22 at the half.

Julien Lewis of Fresno State was high scorer for the game with 23 points. Marvelle Harris added 12 points for the Bulldogs.

PAGE UPDATED 11/26/14 03:47 PM.

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