SAN ANTONIO — East Carolina posted its third American Athletic Conference road win of the season on Saturday, 84-73, at Texas-San Antonio as Brandon Johnson scored 30 points for the Pirates.
Johnson made 10 of 19 field goal attempts, including seven of 11 from beyond the arc and three of five free throws.
The Pirates outshot the Roadrunners from the field although ECU had to overcome a disparity at the free throw line.
The Pirates made 33 of 72 from the floor for 45.8 percent and went 13 for 33 on threes for 39.4 percent.
UTSA was 22 for 53 from the field (41,5 percent) and went 10 of 26 from distance (38.5 percent).
“We spent a lot of time this week working on things offensively, shooting, and other things,” said ECU coach Mike Shwartz on the Pirate radio network. “I’m glad it paid off tonight.”
ECU was 18 for 33 from the floor in the first 20 minutes for 54.6 percent while limiting the hosts to eight of 25 (32 percent).
The Pirates were up, 48-25, at the half.
UTSA was 19 for 27 at the line while ECU was five for nine.
Johnson had nine rebounds as the Pirates led 37-35 on the boards and had fewer turnovers, five to 12.
R.J. Felton had 16 points and six rebounds in the win. Ezra Ausar had 11 points and Cam Hayes added 10.
Jordan Ivy-Curry paced the Roadrunners (8-16, 2-9 AAC) with 14 points.
Jaden Walker had 13 assists and eight rebounds as ECU improved to 12-12 overall and 5-6 in league play.
The Pirates host Wichita State on Thursday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+). The Shockers (8-16, 2-9) entertain No. 20 Florida Atlantic on Sunday at noon (ESPN2). ECU took a 54-52 road win over Wichita State on Jan. 24.
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