Lady Pirates Host Third Annual U.S. Cellular Classic
December 05, 2003 | Women's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- After starting the season with a 2-3 record and dropping its last two games, the East Carolina women's basketball team will look to get back in the win column as it hosts the U.S. Cellular Classic Dec. 6-7 inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
The Lady Pirates will open its play against Coppin State in the second game of the tournament on Saturday at 3 p.m. Coastal Carolina and UNC-Greensboro will kick off the tournament action at 1 p.m. ECU holds a 2-1 advantage and both teams last meet in the 2001 St. Peter's Holiday Classic, with the Lady Pirates coming away with a 76-57 victory.
ECU is led by senior Courtney Willis, who is averaging a double-double on the season with 18.4 ppg (eight in C-USA) and 10.8 rpg (first in C-USA). Junior guard Jennifer Jackson got off to a slow start in the season opener, but has since heated up lately and is averaging 13 points per game.
Coppin State comes into the Classic with a 1-2 record on the season. Senior forward LaKesha Willis scored in double figures in two of three games, averaging 13.3 ppg on the season. Against Maryland, she recorded a double-double scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 boards. Guard Antoinette Reese, coming off the bench, leads Coppin State in scoring with 13.6 ppg and has scored in double figures in all three games this season.
The Lady Pirates will conclude tournament play on Sunday, Dec. 7, either at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m., depending on Saturday's outcome.
