GREENVILLE (November 14, 2016) – North Carolina A&T men's basketball had a strong defensive performance in their 61-51 loss to East Carolina at Minges Coliseum on Monday night. The team struggled to land their shots, but put up 29 points in the second half.
“It was a tough loss and we didn't do a whole lot on offense,” said N.C. A&T coach Jay Joyner. “Sam really helped us out and Raymon Pratt was able to come off the bench and score seven for us. We were able to hold ECU to 61 at home and that is thanks to our defense. If we can continue to build on how we played tonight, that will help us in the future.”
Sam Hunt was a leader for the Aggies on the court, putting up 17 points including three 3-pointers. Hunt also led the Aggies with five assists. He was the only player to score in double figures for the Aggies, followed by Pratt and Eliel Gonzalez with seven.
The Aggies strong defensive effort was led by Gonzalez who was consistent for N.C. A&T in preventing the Pirates from penetrating to the basket. Junior Davaris McGowens picked up 10 rebounds with eight on the defensive end and he added a block in his 23 minutes played.
East Carolina shot 45.6 percent against the Aggies last season, but on Monday night N.C. A&T held the Pirates to 34.6 percent shooting including 28 percent in the second half. Hunt tried to take advantage of the Pirates poor shooting in the first half.
His 3-pointer with 4:42 remaining in the first half cut the Pirates lead to 26-17. Three minutes later he connected on another three to make it 31-20. But ECU baskets by Kentrell Barkley and Elijah Hughes built the lead to 15. Junior Dante Watson scored on a layup to send the Aggies into halftime down 35-22.
N.C. A&T shot better in the second half with 40.7 percent shooting but could not make enough stops to make a substantial dent in the Pirates lead. Caleb White and B.J. Tyson led their team with 13 points apiece. Jabari Craig was able to secure 13 rebounds, eight offensive, and added four blocks to his totals.
The Aggies (1-1) take to the road on Nov. 17 to face Grambling State at 7 p.m., before continuing on to Western Kentucky on Nov. 22. They will return home on Nov. 26 against Jacksonville at Corbett Sports Center at 4 p.m.
