DAYTONA BEACH — East Carolina played for the first time away from the supportive confines of Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum and absorbed an 86-79 loss to Jacksonville State in the Boardwalk Battle.

The Pirates slipped to 4-1 going into q matchup with Stetson in the 3-day event on Friday at 1 p.m. The Hatters dropped to 1-4 with a 103-78 defeat from Toledo.

ECU was paced by 20 points each from R.J. Felton and C.J. Walker.

The Pirates had a 64-58 lead with 8:29 to go, but the Gamecocks went on a 9-0 run capped by a 3-pointer from Jaron Pierre Jr. to lead 67-64 with 6:06 remaining.

Jao Ituko led five Gamecocks into double figures with 18 points.

Yann Farell had 12 points in the setback and Jordan Riley added nine.

Felton and Walker each had seven rebounds as Jacksonville won the board battle, 33-29. Came Hayes had four assists.

The Pirates were outshot from the field as Jacksonville made 28 of 53 from the floor for 52.8 percent compared to 28 of 66 for ECU, 42.4 percent.

The Pirates were 9 for 27 from beyond the arc (33.3 percent) while the Gamecocks were seven for 15,  46.7 percent.

ECU made 13 of 15 free throws (86.7 percent) as Jacksonville dropped 23 of 31 (74.2 percent).