Pirates scoot by USF for first league win

Published 12:19 pm Thursday, January 4, 2018

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Terrance Samuel’s 3-pointer in the waning moments didn’t fall, and East Carolina hung on to beat South Florida, 67-65, on Wednesday. It marked ECU’s first American Athletic Conference win of the season and first on the road.

Kentrell Barkley, Isaac Fleming, Jabari Craig and B.J. Tyson all scored in double figures for the Pirates. Barkley led the way with 16 points. Fleming scored a dozen while dishing out six assists. He had no turnovers after giving the ball away seven times in ECU’s home loss to Central Florida on Sunday.

Stephan Jiggetts’ 18 points led the Bulls.

South Florida led by as much as 10 with 1:28 left in the first half. Layups by Dimitri Spasojevic and Tyson whittled the deficit down before the break.

Barkley’s layup tied the game at 52 apiece with 9:25 left to play. The game was tied three more times down the stretch.

Tyson’s second trey of the game sparked a surge that allowed the Pirates to take control late.

ECU’s road trip continues as it heads to UConn on Saturday. The Pirates return home on Jan. 11 to host a top-10 foe in AAC newcomer Wichita State. That game will be televised on ESPN2.