CHARLOTTE — Liberty finished a 12-0 run on a layup by Shiloh Robinson for a 49-42 lead with 14:17 left on Friday at the Spectrum Center and the Flames went on to a 74-64 win over East Carolina.
The Pirates (8-3) made 14 of 33 field goal attempts (42.4 percent) in the first half to lead, 35-32, at the break. ECU hit just eight of 25 (32 percent) in the final 20 minutes.
Liberty (7-4) was 15 for 27 from the field in the second half for 55.6 percent after hitting 13 of 34 in the opening frame for 38.2 percent.
“After a good start, I thought our shot selection was questionable,” said Pirates coach Joe Dooley. “That really changed the complexion of the game. The way they shot the ball and maneuvered on offense after halftime was very impressive.
“They threw the ball inside and that really bothered us. I’m very disappointed with the way we played for a 10-minute stretch there in the second half.”
ECU was ahead, 21-11, midway through the first half.
Vance Jackson finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Pirates. Tristen Newton had 15 points, making seven of eight at the line. ECU sank 15 of 17 free throws for 88.2 percent. J.J. Miles had 11 points and Alanzo Frink added eight points in 17 minutes.
The Flames were led by 27 points from Darius McGhee. Robinson totaled 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Pirates return to Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum, where they are 7-0 this season, to meet Southern Miss on Tuesday at noon (ESPN+). ECU fell to 1-3 in neutral site games with the outcome on Friday. The Golden Eagles are 4-6 going into a game at Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.
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