Pirates fall to South Florida

By Al Myatt
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GREENVILLE —  South Florida had a 13-2 run Tuesday night after East Carolina had taken an initial 5-0 lead and the Bulls went on to a 69-52 American Athletic Conference win in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

The visitors went ahead to stay at 6-5 on a layup with 15:01 left in the first half by Jahmal McMurray, who led USF (6-21, 3-11) with 21 points.

The Pirates fell to 10-16 overall and 2-11 in the league with their fifth straight loss.

Shooting struggles were a big factor for ECU, which made 18 of 53 field goal attempts (34 percent), seven of 23 behind the arc (30.4 percent) and nine of 19 at the line (47.4 percent).

"We couldn't make a shot," said Pirates coach Jeff Lebo. "Even at the end of the game, when they weren't even trying to guard us, we couldn't make a shot.

"We've got to make 10 or 12 threes against a team that's zoning us because we're limited inside."

ECU frontcourt players Michel Nzege, Kanu Aja, Clarence Williams and Mike Zangari combined for four points in a total of 54 minutes.

Only one Pirate managed to shoot better than 50 percent, sophomore guard Lance Tejada, who made his lone attempt, a 3-pointer.

Caleb White led ECU with 13 points. Freshman Kentrell Barkley had 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

The Pirates were within 44-41 after a jumper by Barkley with 13:25 to go.

Prince Williams and B.J. Tyson added nine points each in the setback.

Nehemias Morillo had 18 points for USF. Jaleel Cousins had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

"Give them credit," Lebo said. "Late in the clock, their guards made key jump shots. They made key plays.

"They really hurt us on the glass, too."

The Bulls led 44-30 in rebounding. USF held a 34-20 advantage in points in the paint.

ECU has some time to regroup for a 2 p.m. game Sunday at Southern Methodist. The Mustangs are 21-3 overall and 9-3 in the AAC going into a Thursday night game at Connecticut (18-7, 8-4).

SMU won 79-55 at ECU on Jan. 13.

PAGE UPDATED 02/17/16 12:07 AM.

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