FAU spurts past Pirates

By Al Myatt
©2014 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.

BOCA RATON, FL — Florida Atlantic made 52 percent of its field goal attempts and used an 18-2 first-half run to take control in a 72-63 nonconference win over visiting East Carolina on Wednesday night.

The Pirates (4-4) outrebounded their opposition (33-26) for the first time in a loss this season and made 22 of 24 free throws for 91.7 percent.

Sophomore forward Caleb White was 6-for-6 at the line in leading ECU with 18 points. Freshman guard B.J. Tyson sank 12 of 13 free throw attempts in adding 16 points. Transfer Kanu Aja hit five of seven field goal attempts as he contributed 11 points.

Michel-Ofik Nzege had seven rebounds for the Pirates. White and Aja grabbed five caroms each.

A dunk by Aja put the Pirates ahead 14-11 with nine minutes remaining in the first half but the Owls (3-3) responded with their decisive flurry.

ECU is playing without starters Paris Roberts-Campbell and Marshall Guilmette due to injuries.

Florida Atlantic led 35-23 at the half and held a double-figure advantage in the second half until White dropped a 3-pointer with five seconds left for the final margin.

Justin Massey had 17 points, five rebounds and five assists for Florida Atlantic. Marquan Botley added 15 points and six assists for the hosts. C.J. Turman had 14 points for the Owls, who improved to 3-0 at home.

FAU defeated the Pirates 78-67 in Boca Raton last season when both programs were in Conference USA.

First-year American Athletic Conference member East Carolina plays at North Carolina (5-2) on Sunday at 3 p.m. (ESPNU).

PAGE UPDATED 12/04/14 03:19 AM.

Copyright © Bonesville.net. All rights rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any fashion. Information from Bonesville staff members, East Carolina University, Conference USA and other sources was used in composing and/or compiling the articles and data on this site. This site is editorially independent and is not affiliated with East Carolina University or Conference USA. View Bonesville.net's privacy policy. For advertising or other information, e-mail editor@bonesville.net.