GREENVILLE — East Carolina topped South Florida for the second time within a week, posting a 64-60 win in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum on Wednesday night as Tristen Newton had 15 points and five assists.
Brandon Suggs also scored 15 as the Pirates improved to 14-13 overall and 5-10 in the American Athletic Conference. ECU had taken a 65-57 win in Tampa on Feb. 17.
Newton scored on a drive with 3:47 remaining to put the Pirates ahead to stay at 56-54.
Two free throws by Newton gave ECU a 60-54 lead with 1:51 left. The foul shots completed a 10-0 run as the hosts erased a 54-50 deficit with 6:42 to go.
The numbers at the line were a decisive factor as the Pirates were 27 for 38 for 71 percent while the Bulls (7-20, 2-13) were seven for 13.
Newton and Tremont Robinson-White, who had 13 points, were a combined 14-for-14 at the stripe.
Vance Jackson and Alanzo Frink added nine points each for ECU. Ludgy Debaut didn’t score but controlled 10 rebounds in 18 minutes.
The Bulls were led by Russel Tchewa with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The Pirates host Tulsa (9-17, 3-12) on Saturday at 4 p.m. ECU took a 73-71 road win over the Golden Hurricane on Feb. 8.
Leave a Reply