Pirates rally past UNCG, 71-62

East Carolina ends three-game losing streak against Spartans

East Carolina relinquished an 11-point first-half lead, but rallied from a ten-point second-half deficit to snap a three-game losing streak with a 71-62 win at UNC-Greensboro on Friday night.

The Pirates (5-4) started strong and led 17-6 with 10:43 remaining in the opening 20 minutes after Austin Steed and Maurice Kemp fueled a 7-0 run.

However, the struggling Spartans (2-9), who were playing their first game under 28-year old interim coach Wes Miller, produced an 18-4 run to take a 24-21 advantage with just under five minutes to play.

ECU responded, as Miguel Paul managed to knock down two difficult jumpers in the final two minutes of the half—the second at the buzzer—to lift the Pirates to a 28-26 halftime lead.

With 15:04 to play, Jeff Lebo’s club extended its lead to 39-35 via a lay-up by Corvonn Gaines.

That’s when Trevis Simpson started to warm up. Simpson, who scored a game-high 24 points, sparked a 15-1 run Spartans’ run with 13 points over the next 3:45.

Trailing 50-40 with 11:19 to go, ECU didn’t panic and outscored UNCG, 15-2, over the next three-plus minutes to assume control at 55-52 with just over eight minutes to play. Miguel Paul, Paris Roberts-Campbell, and Shamarr Bowden all knocked down three-pointers during the stretch while the Pirates’ press created trouble for the Spartans.

UNCG still trailed by just four at 66-62 with 57 seconds remaining, but ECU—despite going a dismal 18-of-32 in the game—converted 5-of-6 free throws in the final minute to seal the deal.

Miguel Paul led the Pirates with his 17-point effort. Darrius Morrow managed a double-double, as he finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Maurice Kemp, who had 13 points and seven boards, also finished in double figures for ECU.

Aaron Brackett, who posted a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, joined Simpson in double figures for UNCG.

The Spartans finished with two more field goals than the Pirates, but ECU made ten more free throws (18) than UNCG attempted (8). The Pirates were just 14-of-25 in the second half from the charity stripe.

East Carolina will begin a four-game homestand on Monday when it welcomes Cliff Ellis and Coastal Carolina (9-1) to Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum for a 7 p.m. contest.