East Carolina University
SMU
GAMEDAY: Pirates Host SMU In Penultimate Home Game
February 20, 2018 | Men's Basketball
| Game 26: vs. SMU | |
| Date: | Wednesday, Feb. 21 |
| Time: | 7 p.m. (ET) |
| Location: | Greenville, N.C. (Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum) |
| Tickets & Parking: | Game Tickets | Parking Information |
| Live Game Coverage: | TV: ESPNEWS Radio: WNCT 107.9 FM | TuneIn Radio Online I SiriusXM (Sirius 138, XM 202, Internet 962) Video Stream: WatchESPN |
| Internet Options: | Live Stats |
| Game Notes: | ECU | SMU| The American |
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- Since joining the American Athletic Conference four years ago, ECU has defeated every team in the league (Wichita State excluded) at least once – except SMU. The Mustangs have won eight straight against the Pirates in The American, including an 86-61 win earlier this season.
SMU hasn't won a game since, entering Wednesday night's contest on a five-game losing streak and averaging just 56 points per game, while surrendering 68.2 points per game.
"Trying to get out in transition and getting some easy baskets is going to be really important to use," ECU Interim Head Coach Michael Perry said. "[SMU] is going to try to slow the tempo down and we want to try to speed it up. We don't want to give them an easy scoring opportunity, but when we can get out in transition we're at our best."
The Pirates have scored over 80 points in three of their last four games with senior B.J. Tyson and freshman Shawn Williams leading the way.
In the last two games alone the duo has combined for 96 points. Williams has scored 26 or more points in three of the last four games with 30 against Memphis, 29 at Tulane and 26 versus UConn. Tyson has posted back-to-back 20-point performances.
Tyson leads ECU in scoring overall, while Williams has been the Pirates' top point producer in conference games.
Completing the Pirates' foursome of double-digit scorers are juniors Kentrell Barkley, who will return to hardwood Wednesday night after serving a two-game suspension, and Isaac Fleming.
Barkley missed the majority of the first meeting against SMU after sustaining an in-game injury, while Fleming led the Pirates with 17 points.
That was the second in Fleming current seven-game double figures scoring streak which has included the only two triple-doubles in ECU history.
"We've got to stay loose," Perry said. "If they can continue to play that way, I think we're going to be fine."
SMU has played the last five games with seven or less scholarship student-athletes available. Jarrey Foster (left knee) and Everett Ray (left foot) are out for the season. Shake Milton (right hand) has missed the last four games. Prior to his injury, Milton was averaging over 18 points, four rebounds and four assists per game.
The Mustangs are third in The American and eighth nationally in scoring defense at 63.1. SMU has held 20 of 27 opponents under 70 points. The Mustangs are second in the AAC in 3-point percentage (.387), turnover margin (2.6), 3-pointers made (8.6), steals (7.5), turnovers (11.6) and turnovers forced (14.2).
