DePaul Downs East Carolina In Conference USA Game
February 18, 2003 | Men's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Sam Hoskin scored a game-high 22 points, including 13 in the second half, as DePaul defeated East Carolina, 77-63, in Conference USA action here Tuesday night.
East Carolina (12-11, 3-9) got out to an early 9-4 lead in the first half behind a Moussa Badiane baseline jumper at the 13:29 mark. Luke MacKay then hit a three pointer with 10 minutes left in the half to give the Pirates their largest lead of the night at six-points, 18-12.
However, in the final 10 minutes of the half, DePaul (14-8, 6-5) outscored the Pirates 21-11 to take a four-point halftime lead, 33-29.
The Blue Demons pushed their lead to 15 points during the first five minutes of the second half, outscoring the Pirates 16-5 to take a 49-34 lead. DePaul led by as many as 17 points in the second half.
East Carolina mounted a late charge and pulled within 10 points with two minutes remaining in regulation, however that is as close as they would get.
Derrick Wiley led the Pirates with 18 points, while Gabriel Mikulas added 14 points. Travis Holcomb-Faye had two steals and became the fourth player in school history to collect 100 steals for his career.
The Blue Demons controlled the glass, outrebounding the Pirates by 12, 40-28. Hoskin and Andre Brown each had double digit rebound totals with 12 and 11 boards respectively.
East Carolina will return to action Saturday night against Charlotte. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Minges Coliseum.
