News Summary
East Carolina University clinched a thrilling 96-89 overtime victory against UTSA, with RJ Felton leading the charge by scoring 30 points and moving to third on the all-time scoring list. His solid performance, along with critical contributions from teammates, propelled the Pirates to their best victory count since joining The American in the 2014-15 season. This win puts East Carolina in a strong position to secure a winning record for the first time since 2012-13, while UTSA faces challenges as they have lost six consecutive games.
East Carolina’s RJ Felton Shines in Thrilling Overtime Victory Over UTSA
In a nail-biting basketball showdown on Sunday, East Carolina University emerged victorious with a 96-89 overtime win against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The star of the day was none other than RJ Felton, who lit up the court with an astounding performance, scoring 30 points, which included a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the three-point line. Talk about a clutch player!
Felton’s Record-Setting Performance
This impressive display propelled Felton into the spotlight, moving him into third place on East Carolina’s all-time scoring list, surpassing the legendary Sonny Russell with a total of 1,671 career points. Fans are buzzing with excitement as Felton continues to etch his name into the school’s history.
Felton’s first half was nothing short of electrifying, as he dropped 22 points to help his team gain momentum early on. This performance not only showcased his skill but also highlighted his crucial role in leading the team. With 18.5 points per game this season, Felton is clearly stepping up and making things happen.
Team Efforts Lead to Success
But Felton wasn’t alone in this victory. The Pirates received a substantial boost from Joran Riley, who added 17 points to the scoreboard, and Cam Hayes, who contributed 16 points. Hayes was instrumental in keeping the game competitive, hitting a game-tying jump shot with just 1:01 left in regulation. His resilience didn’t stop there; during overtime, he was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, helping secure the win for East Carolina.
A Turning Point for East Carolina
This victory not only improves East Carolina’s record to 8-7 in American Athletic Conference play and 16-12 overall, but it also marks a significant moment for the program. With this win, the team has reached its highest victory count since joining The American during the 2014-15 season. The excitement among the fans is palpable as East Carolina only needs one more win from their last three regular-season games to secure a winning overall record for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
Challenges for UTSA
The Road Ahead
As East Carolina looks forward, the team is buzzing with hope and determination. With the momentum from this thrilling overtime victory, it’s clear that they are on a mission to finish the season strong. Coach Michael Schwartz has recognized Felton’s leadership and pivotal role, hinting at an exciting finish ahead for the Pirates. Fans of the East Carolina Pirates, it’s time to rally behind your team as they aim for that much-cherished winning record!
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Additional Resources
- East Carolina Pirates: Overtime Victory Over UTSA
- 247Sports: RJ Felton’s Scoring Milestone
- Reflector: ECU’s Overtime Win Analysis
- WITN: Video Highlights of ECU vs UTSA
- CBS Sports: Overview of ECU vs UTSA Game
- Wikipedia: East Carolina Pirates Men’s Basketball
- Google Search: East Carolina Basketball
Author: HERE Charlotte
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