GREENVILLE — Hot shooting in the second half sent Liberty to a 77-57 nonconference win over East Carolina in Williams Arena of Minges Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
Over the last 20 minutes, the Flames (4-0) made 13 of 21 shots from the field for 61.9 percent. The visitors were even more accurate from beyond the arc, dropping six of nine attempts for 66.6 percent.
Liberty made 13 of 18 free throws following intermission for 72.2 percent.
After leading 32-26 at the break, the Flames outscored the Pirates, 45-31, in the second half.
“They imposed their will from the beginning of the second half, all the way through the end,” ECU coach Joe Dooley said. “(I’m]) disappointed in our lack of ability to bounce back.
“I think that we gave up so many easy shots. We gave up shots and they made them. I thought they just dominated the second half;.”
ECU slipped to 1-3 despite 26 points and 11 rebounds from sophomore Jayden Gardner.
With seven minutes left in the first half, Liberty led 22-21, but the Flames embarked on an 11-5 run to close the period. The Flames opened the second half on a 23-9 spree to take control.
Liberty was led by Caleb Homesley with 25 points.
The Pirates got 13 points from Brandon Suggs and 10 from Tristen Newton.
There were four lead changes in the early going.
ECU will meet Evansville on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Island of the Bahamas Showcase in Nassau. The Aces are 3-0 going into a home game against Southern Methodist on Monday. Evansville stunned No. 1 Kentucky, 67-64, on Nov. 12.
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