DENTON, TX — North Texas closed the first half with a 20-7 run in posting an 84-69 American Athletic Conference win over East Carolina at the Super Pit on Sunday.
A late basket by the Mean Green produced a 60-59 win in Greenville in the first meeting this season on Jan. 17.
ECU (14-15, 7-9 AAC) led 22-20 on Sunday with a layup and free throw by Brandon Johnson with 8:30 left in the first half.
The Mean Green (16-12, 9-7 AAC) retook the lead at 23-22 on a 3-pointer by Jason Edwards with 8:13 to go and stayed ahead the rest of the way.
Johnson and R.J. Felton each had 14 points for the Pirates, who made 25 of 47 field goal attempts for 53.2 percent.
ECU was six for 16 of threes (37.5 percent) and 13 for 22 on free throws (59.1 percent).
The hosts hit 29 of 57 from the floor for 50.9 percent. North Texas made 13 of 28 from long distance for 46.4 percent and dropped 13 of 15 from the line for 86.7 percent.
“It’s really hard to win on the road if the home team hits 13 threes,” said ECU coach Mike Schwartz on the Pirate radio network. ” … Give them credit.”
Edwards and Rubin Jones had 18 points apiece for the Mean Green, which led 36-19 in rebounding.
ECU had fewer turnovers, 5-9.
Johnson had eight rebounds for the Pirates. Jaden Walker had 11 points in the setback. Cam Hayes and Bobby Pettiford Jr. scored nine each. Ezra Ausar and Kalib LaCount added five points each.
The Pirates play at Southern Methodist (19-10, 10-6) on Wednesday at 8 p.m. (ESPN+).
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