BIRMINGHAM — East Carolina led for most of its American Athletic Conference matchup at Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday before the Blazers closed on a 26-12 run for a 69-61 win.
The Pirates had their largest lead at 15-6. The Blazers didn’t go in front until Daniel Ortiz made a 3-pointer for a 53-52 advantage with 6:51 remaining.
ECU had a 42-33 rebounding command, but that was negated as the Pirates committed 16 turnovers to nine for the hosts.
“It was the turnovers,” said Pirates coach Mike Schwartz of the deciding factor on the ECU radio network. “Our guard play wasn’t good today.”
Schwartz had challenged the big men after losing the board battle, 40-28, in a heartbreaking 60-59 defeat in the closing seconds at home against North Texas on Wednesday night.
Productivity from the post players at UAB included 16 points and 10 rebounds from Ezra Ausar as well as 15 points and 10 rebounds from Brandon Johnson.
Jaden Walker finished with eight points for ECU (9-10, 2-4 AAC) and Cam Hayes scored six. Bobby Pettiford Jr. had four points and four assists.
UAB (12-6, 4-1) was led by Eric Gaines with 17 points.
Next action for the Pirates will be at Wichita State (8-9, 0-4) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+). The Shockers visit South Florida on Sunday for a 2 p.m. tipoff.
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