East Carolina plays Division II St. Andrews on Sunday

Pirates look to open 2008-'09 with second win in three days

After opening its season with a roller coaster 71-56 victory over Coker on Friday night, East Carolina (1-0) will return to the hardwood on Sunday afternoon when it plays host to the St. Andrews Knights.

The Knights (0-1), who are predicted to finish last among the 11 teams in Conference Carolinas, will be playing their second game in as many days after beginning their season with a 75-58 loss to Newberry of Division II's South Atlantic Conference at home on Saturday afternoon.   St. Andrews, which is in its first season under the leadership of coach Richie Schueler, dropped a 104-91 decision in an exhibition contest at future Pirate opponent UNC-Wilmington back on November 6.

Sophomore forward Zack Garst (6-8, 242) is one of the Knights best options in the frontcourt.  Garst was a rebound shy of a double-double against the Seahawks, as he posted a strong 16-point, nine-rebound effort.  He also led the team with five assists.  The Pirates will also have to contend with guards Joseph Gripper (6-4, 233) and Taiwon Grooms (6-0, 200).  Gripper led St. Andrews in scoring with 25 points versus UNCW while Grooms finished with 21 points and eight rebounds.

The Pirates, who were breaking in several inexperienced players in the frontcourt against Coker, will look to increase their consistency against St. Andrews.

As one would expect, senior guards Sam Hinnant and James Legan took the most shots on Friday evening.  Hinnant was only 1-of-6 from behind the arc, but used four field goals and a perfect 10-of-10 effort at the line to conclude the contest with 21 points.  Legan, who was 4-of-8 from the floor, had nine points.

Following Gabe Blair and John Fields transferring, Chad Wynn received his chance down low.  The redshirt sophomore went 5-of-6 from the floor and charity stripe to total 15 points.  However, he did turn the ball over six times and only pulled down six rebounds.

True freshman Darrius Morrow had four points and four boards in 24 minutes in his first action as a Pirate.  Sophomore Daquan Joyner had four points and five boards in 14 minutes.

Sophomore point guard Brock Young had seven points and nine assists against the Cobras.  However, he did commit six of ECU's 22 turnovers.

ECU vs. St. Andrews Prediction:

The Pirates will notch their second easy win in three days as they get more valuable game experience prior to their first Division I game against Campbell on Wednesday night in Greenville.  Wynn and Hinnant will reach double figures for a second straight game.

East Carolina 85 - St. Andrews 60