East Carolina University
Gardner-Webb
East Carolina Falls to Gardner-Webb 77-72
November 22, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 22, 2005
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GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina men's basketball team dropped its first game of the season Tuesday night to Gardner-Webb, 77-72, inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
The Pirates (1-1) trailed by as much as 22 points, 31-9, before closing out the half on a 18-4 run pulling within eight, 35-27 at the intermission. Junior forward Tyronne Beale scored 10 of his first half 15 points during the run, including three consecutive baskets with under three minutes to play. Senior Corey Rouse ignited a crowd of 4,560 when he slammed home an offensive rebound at the 5:16 mark.
The Pirates continued their hot shooting at the start of the second half as they trimmed the Bulldogs' lead to two, 41-39, on a three by freshman Sam Hinnant, but would never get any closer.
Simon Conn, who scored 16 of his game-high 25 points in the second half, pushed the Bulldog's lead to 14, 63-49, with his tip in at the 7:12 mark. ECU trimmed the lead to four with 1:12, but Gardner-Webb's clutch free throw shooting down the stretch, which included seven straight in the final minute, sealed the Pirates fate.
A trio of Pirates scored double-figures led by Beale's season-high 21 points and seven boards. Rouse added 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for his 13th career double-double, while Hinnant contributed with 11 points.
Junior point guar Japhet McNeil dished out a career-best 11 assists and tied his career-high for steals with five swipes.
East Carolina returns to action on Saturday, November 26, against Wofford. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. at Minges Coliseum.
