Spring Break
Miners drill Pirates in C-USA clash
Sean Labar
Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: Sports
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Though Minges Coliseum was the ideal atmosphere for the Pirates to claim a home victory, UTEP gained an early 12-2 lead and kept ECU trailing as the game went on.
"At some point in the first half we seemed to sag," said ECU head coach Mack McCarthy. "UTEP is a pretty darn good basketball team and they have a lot of ways to beat you."
Randy Culpepper dominated the floor for UTEP with 25 points and proved to be the leader of the Miners' explosive offense.
Pirate point guard Brock Young tried to match the aggressive UTEP play, leading the ECU offense with 18 points and seven assists.
The Pirates were able to minimize their deficit to just three points as the first half winded down but the Miners' all-time leading scorer Stefon Jackson netted two easy free throws to give UTEP a healthy five point lead heading into the locker room.
The Miners hit the court with momentum in the second half increasing their lead to 13.
Despite the deficit, the Pirates' fans remained faithful and the harsh environment gave ECU a boost as they went on an 11-0 run to pull the Pirates within two, 50-48.
"The environment is probably one of the best in the conference," said UTEP coach Tony Barbee. "The building is so tight and the students are on top of you."
The Miners responded accordingly with great three-point play and put the game out of reach.
Julyan Stone added 13 points for the Miners, as they pulled away, thanks in part to a 16-0 run.
Turnovers seemed to be a high concern and reoccurring theme.
"Our turnovers turned into their points and it hurt us bad," said Young.
The Pirates will continue conference play as they travel to SMU on Saturday night.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
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