Pirates top N.C. A&T

Staff Report
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GREENVILLE — B.J. Tyson scored 21 points as East Carolina returned from an exam break to defeat North Carolina A&T 71-60 on Sunday afternoon before a crowd of 4,151 in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

The Aggies (4-8) came in with a four-game winning streak and led by seven points during the first half. A layup by Prince Williams put the Pirates ahead to stay at 36-35 with 16:36 left to play.

A basket by Charles Foster completed a 12-3 ECU run and pushed the lead to 52-40 with 9:30 to go.

A&T got no closer than seven points the rest of the way. Bruce Beckford paced the Aggies with 22 points.

ECU coach Jeff Lebo said he played zone primarily because of the matchup problems presented by the 6-feet, 7-inch Beckford and to prevent foul problems.

A&T was 13 of 17 at the line while the Pirates were 17 of 24.

Foster had 13 points in 18 minutes. Foster made five of seven field goal attempts as the Pirates hit 25 of 55 from the floor for 45.5 percent. Tyson was seven for 11 from the field.

Freshman Kentrell Barkley added 11 points with game highs in rebounds (7) and assists (6).

ECU (6-4) led 38-31 on the boards. Tyson and Mike Zangari each had six rebounds. Michel Nzege, returning from an absence due to an ankle injury, grabbed five.

Caleb White had 10 points and three assists for the Pirates although he was 1-for-8 behind the arc.

ECU committed 10 turnovers compared to 14 for the Aggies. Prince Williams, Tyson and Barkley had two steals each.

"It was a good win, especially with A&T coming in winning four in a row," Lebo said. "We didn't shoot it very well, but we didn't turn it over.

"I thought Charles Foster played well coming off the bench giving us some points and B.J. Tyson was really good and really consistent.

"Kentrell Barkley was all over the place. ... He's a guy that exudes confidence and toughness.

"I wish I could inject that confidence and toughness into the rest of my guys, but I love when he comes off the bench and what he provides. He's like a senior out there."

East Carolina hosts UNC-Wilmington (5-1) on Wednesday night at 7. The Seahawks won last season's meeting in the Port City, 66-54.

PAGE UPDATED 12/14/15 01:19 AM.

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