WICHITA — East Carolina kept host Wichita State winless in the American Athletic Conference with a 54-52 win on Wednesday night.
The Shockers (8-11, 0-6 AAC) had been averaging 72.9 points per game.
“That’s the reason we were fortunate enough to come out with a victory,” said Pirates coach Mike Schwartz on the ECU radio network. ” … Defense just kept guarding and kept guarding.”
The Pirates (10-10, 3-4) went ahead to stay as R.J. Felton assisted a dunk by Brandon Johnson for a 45-43 lead with 6:40 to go.
A steal and 2-handed slam by Bobby Pettiford Jr. gave ECU a 54-47 advantage with 2:59 remaining.
Ezra Ausar claimed the rebound as the hosts intentionally missed a second free throw in the final second.
The Pirates had significantly fewer turnovers, 9-19, and led, 17-7, in offensive rebounds, which helped ECU get up 68 field goal attempts compared to 44 for Wichita State.
Brandon Johnson had 12 points and seven rebounds in the win. Felton had eight of his 10 points in the second half. Ausar also had 10 points.
Pettiford finished with eight points and Jaden Walker added six.
Cyr Malonga and Pettiford each had five rebounds. Cam Hayes had three points and two assists. Malonga had three points and fellow freshman Callum Richard tallied two.
The Shockers were led by Harlond Beverly with 18 points.
The Pirates will be home on Sunday to take on Temple at 5 p.m. (ESPN2). The Owls (8-12, 1-6) were topped, 75-69, by visiting South Florida on Wednesday night.
ECU took a 73-62 win at Temple on Jan. 10.
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