GREENVILLE — Andrien White scored 30 points for Charlotte as the 49ers overcame a 31-26 halftime deficit to defeat East Carolina 69-50 in a nonconference contest in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum on Monday night.
The Pirates struggled shooting as a three-game winning streak under interim coach Michael Perry was halted. ECU was 22 of 66 from the field for 33.3 percent, including just two of 21 beyond the arc (9.5 percent). The Pirates made just four of 10 free throws, 40 percent.
“We couldn’t keep performing in the second half,” Perry said. “We were able to generate some offense with our defense in the first half. The second half, we weren’t able to do that. Our shots were not falling. We had some great looks.”
White had 21 points in the second half as Charlotte had a 43-19 scoring advantage in the final 20 minutes.
The 49ers (4-6) went ahead to stay at 36-35 on a 3-pointer by White with 16:29 remaining and led by as many as 23 points.
Isaac Fleming had 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting to lead ECU. Fleming also had six assists and three steals.
Kentrell Barkley had 11 points and 12 rebounds. Both Fleming and Barkley had five turnovers for the Pirates, who totaled 18 for the game.
“We’ve got to get better at taking care of the basketball,” Perry said.
B.J. Tyson had nine points in the setback. Jabari Craig had six points and six rebounds.
“We looked like a team that hadn’t played in two weeks,” Perry said. “We were a little rusty.”
ECU hosts Grambling on Thursday at 7 p.m.
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