Pirates Fall To Houston In Home Finale
February 26, 2005 | Men's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- Houston guard Lanny Smith made 3-of-4 free throws in the final 19 seconds to preserve a 76-72 win over East Carolina inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum Saturday night.
In his final game at ECU, senior Moussa Badiane scored a game-high 22 points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked a trio of shots. Sophomore Mike Cook and freshman Tom Hammonds each netted 16 points in the loss.
The game also marked the final home game for ECU head coach Bill Herrion, who will be relinquished of his coaching duties at the end of the season.
Four players scored double figures for Houston (18-10, 9-5 C-USA) led by Cedrick Hensley's 20 points. Hensley and Chris Lawson combined for 31 points off the bench, while the Pirates' reserves added a single bucket. Smith added 18 points and the Cougars' leading scorer Andre Owens finished with 17 points.
East Carolina (9-18, 4-11 C-USA) trailed by 18, 67-49, with 8:41 remaining, but went on a 22-6 run over the next eight minutes to cut its deficit to two, 73-71, with 42 seconds left. Badiane converted one of two free throws with 27.5 seconds left to get the Pirates within a point before Smith marched to the foul line.
