In the span of successive days, East Carolina experienced the exhilaration of the greatest comeback in basketball and the agony of the greatest exit in terms of football player personnel.

The Pirates topped a Buffalo team that came to Greenville with a 9-1 record on Sunday after the Bulls had built a 21-point lead late in the first half. ECU, which was 3-7 going in, but was favored by 1.5 points at home, outscored the visitors, 16-2, over the last five minutes.

ECU media relations basketball contact Grady Dillon said it was the biggest hoops comeback for the Pirates in basketball in records going back to 1981.

The outcome potentially changed the trajectory of the season as Jordan Riley scored 31 points. Riley had challenged his teammates at halftime.

Daniel Freitag was limited to two points in the second half after scoring 29 for Buffalo in the first half. Pirates coach Mike Schwartz credited Tybo Bailey’s defensive efforts and a revised approach on the defensive end.

One aspect of performance that Schwartz has cited in several losses was turnovers, which were down to a very manageable level — just six against Buffalo.

It may have taken some time for the Pirates to find out how they need to play in order to be successful this season. Hopes were for a continuation of performance that produced a 19-14 overall record and 10-8 mark in the American Conference in 2024-25.

Last year’s team made a trip to the Bahamas for some games in the simmer that helped incoming personnel to mesh. This year’s team has been formulating on the fly in comparison, a work in progress, without the benefit of such a preseason building tool.

Last year’s team also had R.J. Felton and C.J. Walker, who combined for over 35 points per game.

Schwartz sought to bolster the paint in the offseason and George Mason transfer Gio Emejuru has been productive in that regard with 12.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Former South Central player Luke Davis bolstered the interior on Sunday with six points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocked shots.

The outside shooting needs to improve and could be the key to turning the corner. The Pirates were four for 20 from beyond the arc on Sunday, 20 percent.

ECU hosts Presbyterian (6-6) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+), another opportunity to develop, grow and learn. Schwartz has never hesitated to tweak his lineup, and experimentation could produce a functional rotation for American Conference play, which begins Sunday, Dec. 31, at home against Tulane (ESPNU, noon).

The Pirates have their final nonconference test of the regular season at North Carolina on Monday at 8 p.m. (ACC Network).

Football predicament

Monday’s news of the transfer intent of quarterback Katin Houser quickly deflated the basketball vibe.

Houser will be joined in the portal by wide receiver Yannick Smith and tight end Jayvontay Conner. More may follow, a testimony to the influence of money and a corresponding lack of loyalty.

The situation lends credence to the plan ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert put forth last week to move the date of the transfer portal to March.

“What we’re doing now is unlike anything in any sport before the bowl season,” Gilbert said. “We’re pretty much gutting each other on coaching staffs and players. … Until we settle the player acquisition piece, we’re going to continue to see the chaos.”

The additional chaotic circumstances for ECU include the departure of offensive coordinator John David Baker to Ole Miss and the exit of defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge to South Florida.

It’s the next man up approach as far as Pirates coach Blake Harrell is concerned. Harrell will call the defense in the Military Bowl against Pitt on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. in Annapolis (ESPN). He handled both roles after he became head coach last season. Running backs coach Rodney Freeman will be calling the offense.

Mike Wright Jr. would appear to be next man up at quarterback, having made starts at three Power Four programs (Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Northwestern) in his career. He will be a run-throw threat.

Smith’s injury in the Memphis game opened the door for Payton Mangrum to make the game-winning catch. Conner was already splitting time with Desirrio Riles, who likely will be getting more snaps.

Pitt has lost sophomore wide receiver Zion Fowler-El, who stated his transfer intentions Tuesday, He had seven catches for 60 yards and one touchdown in eight games.