May 19, 2013
ATLANTA -- Maurice Kemp scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as undefeated East Carolina defeated Georgia State 62-53 Monday night, extending its winning streak to five games.
East Carolina (5-0) never trailed, scoring the game's first eight points and building a 31-20 halftime advantage.
When the Panthers (3-3) got within a point, 15-14, the Pirates ran off the next nine points, capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by Shamarr Bowden. He was one of five players to make a 3 in the opening frame as the Pirates connected on 6-of-16 shots behind the arc.
Georgia State never got closer than seven points in the second half.
Both teams shot below 40 percent, but East Carolina dominated the boards, taking 47 rebounds -- 18 at the offensive end -- to Georgia State's 26. Robert Sampson led the Pirates in rebounds with 16 and also scored 12 points and blocked three shots.
Although the Pirates only scored 11 points off 18 offensive rebounds, they held the Panthers to just five offensive rebounds and four second chance points.
The difference in the game came outside the paint, where ECU connected on seven 3-pointers compared to just four by GSU. The Pirates also outscored the Panthers at the free throw line 15-11.
Manny Atkins led Georgia State with 15 points and eight rebounds and Devonta White added 13 points and five assists.
The Pirates will look to post their sixth consecutive win to start the season Saturday night at unbeaten Charlotte (6-0) at Halton Arena. The game will be televised throughout eastern North Carolina on WITN. Tip-off is slated for just after 7 p.m.
