CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Virginia used a 20-4 first-half run to take control and defeat East Carolina 76-53 on Tuesday night.
The Pirates had taken a 14-11 lead before the Cavaliers exploded.
Virginia (8-1), coming off its first loss of the season on Saturday at home to West Virginia, 66-57, bounced back by shooting 56.6 percent from the field.
ECU slipped to 7-3 despite a game-high 17 points off the bench from freshman guard Jeremy Sheppard.
“I thought Virginia played awfully well,” said Pirates coach Jeff Lebo. “They shot it outstandingly. One of the better shooting nights that I think they’ve had.
“I knew that we would get a spirited group after a loss at home. They don’t lose too often at home. We were okay until that 10-minute point (in the first half). I think they started out about 1-for-11 from three and then made six in a row. That was really the difference in the game right there.”
The hosts also were led in scoring by a freshman guard as Kyle Guy scored 13 points, also in a reserve role.
B.J. Tyson had 10 points and four assists for the Pirates. Kentrell Barkley scored seven points for ECU.
Caleb White and Michel Nzege each had six points. Deng Riak added five points.
Virginia, ranked No. 14 by the Associated Press, got 12 points apiece from London Perrantes, Marial Shayok and Mamadi Diakite. Jarred Reuter tallied 10 for the Cavaliers.
ECU made 18 of 49 field goal attempts for 36.7 percent and was better behind the arc, going 10 of 23 for 43.5 percent.
Virginia held a slight 30-28 rebounding edge as Clarence Williams grabbed five to lead the Pirates.
ECU had 13 turnovers compared to six for the hosts.
The Pirates have an exam break before returning to action on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at home against College of Charleston. The Cougars improved to 6-3 with a 76-61 win over Davidson on Sunday.
ECU lost 77-73 at College of Charleston on Dec. 7 last season.
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