GREENVILLE — Darryl Simmons II scored 29 points for Gardner-Webb in an 84-79 win at East Carolina on Saturday as the Pirates absorbed their fourth defeat in five games to slip to 8-5.

Simmons, a 5-11 sophomore guard from Detroit, hit nine of 12 shots from the field, including five of six from beyond the arc. He made all six of his tries from the line as the Runnin’ Bulldogs improved to 5-8.

ECU was outrebounded, 38-30, and struggled with free throws, making 22 of 36 (61.2 percent).

“Very rarely do you see a team turn it over seven times and have 14 offensive rebounds and take 36 free throws and not be able to find a way to win,” said Coach Mike Schwartz on the Pirates radio network.

ECU had a balanced scoring attack that included 19 points from R.J. Felton and 18 each from Cam Hayes and Jordan Riley.

Yann Farell had 11 points in the setback. Riley had eight rebounds and Hayes dealt out four assists.

The Pirates had their last lead at 59-57 with 9:55 remaining.

The visitors had a 6-0 run to pull away from a tie at 66. ECU closed within one point twice in the final 63 seconds.

The Pirates have a break before opening American Athletic Conference play at South Florida on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m.

The Bulls are 6-6 after an 88-62 win Saturday over East Texas A&M.