GREENVILLE — Kentrell Barkley had 17 points and 14 rebounds as East Carolina took a 63-57 win over Delaware State on Saturday in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
“I’m just trying to be a leader and make plays to help us win,” Barkley said. “I’m trying to stay active on offense and defense and give 110 percent.”
Interim coach Michael Perry improved to 2-0 since taking the reins following Jeff Lebo’s surprising resignation on Wednesday.
It was the first time ECU (4-4) has posted back-to-back wins this season.
The Pirates used a 12-2 run to lead 48-40 with 7:28 left on a layup by Isaac Fleming, who had 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
ECU was up 60-52 with 1:35 to go before the Hornets (2-7) closed within 60-57 over the next 29 seconds with the help of one of the Pirates’ 17 turnovers.
“It was ugly but we won,” Perry said. “We’ve been part of several games that were ugly and we lost. It’s much better when it’s ugly and you win.”
ECU had a 50-33 command in rebounding as Jabari Craig grabbed 11.
“The final phase of defense is rebounding,” Perry said. “We did a good job of finishing up the final phase.”
Freshman Shawn Williams had 12 points and senior B.J. Tyson, coming of a career-high 30 point-performance in a 93-88 overtime win over UNC Wilmington on Thursday night, added nine points.
The Pirates host Campbell (4-4) on Monday at 7 p.m.
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