Pirates Frustrated by South Florida, 78-68

Wednesday, February 21

Greenville, N.C.

6 PM

East Carolina University

14-11,7-7AAC

South Florida

16-12,8-7AAC

South Fla.

East Carolina

February 21, 2024 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina women's basketball team fell to South Florida on Wednesday night, 78-68. Danae McNeal led all scorers with 25 and Amiya Joyner posted her 20th career double-double but it was not enough as the Bulls were able to hold serve in the second half for the win.

It was the one that got away for a Pirates (14-11, 7-7 AAC) squad looking to snap an 11-game skid in the series with South Florida (16-12, 8-7 AAC) dating back to 2015. It was not one that got away all at once, but one in which the Bulls methodically squeezed the margin and slammed the door shut on ECU opportunities to seize the victory.

For their part, South Florida posted 26 assists on 32 made shots. Romi Levy and Vittoria Blasigh were incredible, making contested shots on their way to 22 and 20 points, respectively. The Bulls took care of the ball with only nine turnovers and were able force 14 for the Pirates.

For the Pirates, the hosts cut the deficit to just one point three times after USF extended their lead at the beginning of the second quarter, but never took the lead in the final 30 minutes of the game. At every critical juncture, the Bulls made critical plays to push themselves in front by a wider margin and keep ECU at arm's length.

The game was not without its bright spots. Joyner was brilliant again and put forth an all-out effort to post a second-straight double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. It was also her fourth career 20-point double-double. Additionally, McNeal's 25 points gave her a career-best five-consecutive 20-plus point performances.

Up Next
The Pirates will be back at it on Saturday as they travel to Dallas to take on SMU. The game will tip off at 3 p.m. on ESPN+.