GREENVILLE, N.C. – Rasheed Jones scored 20 points, but the Chants came up just short in a 63-59 road loss at East Carolina.
Jones hit six of his 10 field goal attempts, including going four-of-six on his three-point attempts. He also added four free throws, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal before fouling out with 19 seconds left in the game.
Denzel Hines picked up his first and the team's first double-double of the season with 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, while
Jordan Battle finished with 12 points and a team-high three assists.
ECU's RJ Felton scored a game-high 25 points and also picked up a double-double with 11 rebounds. Jordan Riley scored 14 points for the Pirates with nine of his points coming at the free throw line. ECU also had Cam Hayes reach double figures with 10 points.
The game was a defensive battle all 40 minutes with the Chants shooting 33.9 percent from the field compared to ECU's 33.3 percent. CCU was a tad better from beyond the three-point line knocking down eight of 22 for 36.4 percent, while ECU was four of 19 for 21.1 percent.
The game was really decided at the free throw line where the home-standing Pirates hit 25 of 40 free throws for 62.5 percent. After missing their first four free throws in the game, the Chants hit 11 of their last 14 to finish 11 for 18 for 61.1 percent.
The battle on the boards matched the intensity of the game with ECU grabbing 43 rebounds and the Chants finishing with 42.
The first half was the start of how the game would progress as both teams played physical and every shot was defended.
ECU led 24-22 at halftime with Hayes scoring at the horn to push the Pirates into the halftime lead.
Harris and Riley led ECU with eight points each with Felton scoring six and Woodard two. ECU shot 25.8 percent from the field, but had the lead based on seven of nine free throw shooting.
Jones led the Chants with 13 first-half points with
Denzel Hines adding four. CCU shot 31.0 percent from the field and added four three-point field goals, but did not score from the free throw line.
Coastal will be back on the road for a battle at North Carolina State, Wednesday, Nov. 13. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
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