TAMPA — East Carolina won its second straight American Athletic Conference road game, 65-57, at South Florida on Thursday night.
The Pirates made 20 of 44 field goal attempts for 45.5 percent while holding the Bulls to 21 of 61 for 34.4 percent.
ECU was torrid at the free throw line, making 20 of 24 for 83.3 percent.
“We made some big free throws late in the game,” said Pirates coach Joe Dooley on the Pirate Radio Network. “We talk a lot about the importance of playing well at this time of the year.”
ECU improved to 13-12 overall and 4-9 in the AAC while USF slipped to 8-16, 2-11.
Four players reached double figures for the Pirates with Vance Jackson leading the way with 16 points. Tristen Newton added 14 points and 10 assists.
Brandon Suggs had 13 points. Tremont Robinson-White had 10 points and Ludgy Debaut finished with six points and eight rebounds.
The Bulls got a game-high 18 points from Serrel Smith Jr.
ECU went ahead to stay at 31-30 on a turnaround jumper by Debaut with 19:03 left to play.
The Pirates look to extend their road success at Central Florida on Sunday at 2 p.m.
A tale of multiple teams, who will show up next. Best season in a while though and my vote is to keep Joe until he gets it where he want it. He is a very good coach and seems to have things going in the right direction. No other head Coach will do better than he can.