Pirates Look for More Home Cooking Against DePaul
February 17, 2003 | Men's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- After playing four of its last five games on the road, East Carolina will play each of its next two games at home beginning Tuesday night at 7 p.m. against Conference USA American Division rival DePaul in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The Pirates host cross-state foe Charlotte on Saturday.
ECU (12-10, 3-8 C-USA) has played exceptionally well at home this season, comprising an 8-3 record in front of the "Minges Maniacs." The Pirates are 8-5 against Conference USA opponents at Minges Coliseum since joining the league last season, but one of its five home losses was a 22-point loss to DePaul last season, 80-58.
The Pirates are coming off a 56-42 loss at Saint Louis on Saturday. Erroyl Bing led the Pirates with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Travis Holcomb-Faye also added 10 points. ECU played the game without the services of its leading scorer Derrick Wiley, due to a death in his family. Wiley is expected to return for Tuesday night's game against the Blue Demons.
DePaul (13-8, 5-5 C-USA) picked up its first Conference USA road win of the season Saturday against Southern Miss in overtime, 74-69. Sam Hoskin notched a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Quemont Greer also reached double figures for the Blue Demons with 14 points.
The Blue Demons are just 2-6 on the road this season with its two victories coming against Northern Illinois in their season opener and against Southern Miss last time out. DePaul is one of four teams tied for seventh place in the overall conference standings with a 5-5 league record.
East Carolina is still searching for its first victory over the Blue Demons. DePaul has won all three previous meetings in the series, including a 55-42 win in Chicago earlier this year.
