Green Wave sinks Pirates in triple OT

By Al Myatt
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Post-game Audio: Coaches & players...

GREENVILLE —  The East Carolina basketball team must have a stout heart because it got broken – again – on Wednesday night.

The Pirates' latest venture into disappointment was a 100-92 triple overtime loss to Tulane in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

ECU slipped to 10-14 overall and 2-9 in the American Athletic Conference despite leading 49-36 with 14 minutes left in regulation.

The Pirates had a five-point advantage in the last two minutes of the first extra period.

ECU lost its last home game 97-93 in double overtime to Houston. The Cougars left Greenville and knocked off Southern Methodist.

This Pirate setback may have seemed worse because Tulane has struggled to a 9-16 mark overall and is 2-10 in the AAC.

Louis Dabney had 32 points in Tulane's second league win.

"Heartbreaking," said ECU coach Jeff Lebo. "This one stings a great deal. We had the game right where we wanted it and couldn't step on their throat.

"They made some shots. Give them credit. (Malik) Morgan (26 points) made some timely threes. From 10 minutes left in regulation, I thought we looked tired and they took advantage. They made some crucial free throws."

Morgan went five of 12 behind the arc. Teammates Dylan Osetkowski and Cameron Reynolds added 16 and 11 points, respectively.

"We had some defensive breakdowns and that allowed them some rhythm threes," said ECU senior point guard Prince Williams.

Williams had nine assists. He and B.J. Tyson finished with 25 points each for ECU.

Kentrell Barkley had 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and five steals for the Pirates.

Michel Nzege added nine points before fouling out.

"We've lost three at home that were heartbreakers," Lebo said. "The Central Florida game (Jan. 2). We had that in control. Houston and this one. It's hard to swallow."

ECU visits Cincinnati for a 4 p.m. tipoff Saturday.

"It's definitely tough right now," Williams said. "But we've got to regroup and be ready for Cincinnati on Saturday."

PAGE UPDATED 02/11/16 01:40 AM.

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