Pirates Overcome Virginia Tech, 76-60
December 09, 2002 | Men's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- On a night where senior Travis Holcomb-Faye was honored before the game for breaking the East Carolina career assists record, it was sophomore Moussa Badiane's record breaking block and dunk on the other end that ignited an ECU rally and lifted the Pirates to a 16-point win over Virginia Tech here Monday night, 76-60. With the victory, the Pirates match their best start to a season since 1954, 6-0.
Badiane blocked three shots to surpass Herb Gray's former mark of 103 blocked shots and become the school's all-time leader, six games into his sophomore season. His career total now stands at 105.
His block and dunk on the other end sparked a 13-2 run by the Pirates that tied the game at 50-all on freshman Belton River's fourth three-point field goal of the night with 10:53 remaining in regulation. River's finished the night with a team-high and career-best 18 points.
From that point on it was all East Carolina (6-0). The Pirates outscored Virginia Tech (4-4) 26-10 over the final 11 minutes and held the Hokies to just four field goals.
East Carolina made 16-of-26 field goal attempts in the second half, 61.5 percent, while limiting the Hokies to just 36 percent shooting and only three three-point field goals after surrendering seven threes to Tech before halftime.
For the sixth time in as many games, the Pirates held their opponent to under 40 percent shooting as Tech shot just 39.7 percent from the floor.
Four players scored in double figures for ECU led by Rivers. Junior college transfer Derrick Wiley poured in 17 points, while Badiane scored a career-high 13 points. Junior Erroyl Bing also added 10 points.
Carlos Dixon scored a game-high 20 points for Virginia Tech and Bryant Matthews added 17 points.
ECU will try to match its best start in school history, 7-0, on Saturday as it host Division II opponent Mount Olive. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
ECU Notes
East Carolina Head Coach Bill Herrion
"We looked a step slower in the first half. Virginia Tech came out aggressive and ready to play. The only positive for us after the first half was that we were only down by seven."
"The crowd was phenominal. I want to thank them, and let them know we need them this season. It was electric in here."
"We've beat an SEC team and a Big East team so far this year. These wins will hopefully keep our heads above water come March."
"(Derrick) Wiley picked us up offensively in the second half. He made some tough baskets."
"We struggled against their zone. Especially the 1-3-1. We need to work on that because we will see a lot more of it as the year goes on."
