GREENVILLE — East Carolina has not seen a deficit it could not overcome in a 3-0 start under first-year coach Michael Schwartz.
In a matchup of Pirates in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum on Wednesday night, ECU trailed, 52-35 with 16:52 left to play before coming back for an 82-73 victory over Hampton.
ECU was behind by 16 points against Mercer in the season opener before rallying for a 77-75 triumph on Nov. 8. Presbyterian had a 19-point lead before ECU surged to a 77-57 win on Saturday.
“It’s a bad habit,” Schwartz said of his team’s tendency to save its best for last. “I’m really proud and happy that we found a way to win.”
Scoring 17 points each for ECU were Quintin Diboundje and Javon Small.
Brandon Johnson had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Small added six assists.
ECU had a 20-0 run after trailing 70-57 with seven minutes to go. The hosts took the lead at 72-70 with 3:44 left on two free throws by Diboundje.
Russell Dean had 23 points for Hampton (1-2) as 4,054 looked on.
ECU heads to Estero, FL, for three games in the Gulf Coast Showcase starting with a 1:30 p.m. contest on Monday against Indiana State (1-0), which hosts North Dakota State on Thursday night.
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