GREENVILLE — East Carolina stayed unbeaten and kept North Florida winless with a 7-0 run in the last 43 seconds for a 73-67 victory on Thursday evening in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
Brandon Suggs drove and scored on Tristen Newton’s assist for a 68-67 Pirates lead with 43 seconds to go and ECU (5-0) stayed on top the rest of the way.
Jayden Gardner made two free throws for the Pirates with 29 seconds left for a 70-67 lead.
Suggs had a steal with 22 seconds remaining and dropped two free throws with 16 seconds left. Gardner added a foul shot at the 8-second mark for the final margin.
Gardner led ECU with 20 points and 12 rebounds. J.J. Miles had 13 of his 16 points in the second half. Suggs totaled 10 points and five assists.
Newton’s line included six points and eight assists. Bitumba Baruti had eight rebounds as the Pirates led 42-38 on the boards.
Ryan Burkhardt paced the Ospreys (0-7) with 15 points.
“We needed to be more mature,” said ECU coach Joe Dooley. “I don’t think our energy level was good. … We were able in the late-game situation to get some stops, get some baskets and get a win.”
The Pirates start American Athletic Conference play at Southern Methodist on Wednesday night.
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