ECU hoops generating energy, success without fans

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) — Despite limited fans allowed inside Minges Coliseum, the ECU men’s basketball team is generating energy in other ways. In fact, for just the fifth time in school history — and only the third time as a Division I program — the Pirates are off to a 5-0 start to the season.

The Pirates wrapped up their four-game homestand Thursday night with a 73-67 win over North Florida.

Heading into Friday, ECU was one of just 14 teams nationally — and the only team in the state of North Carolina — with an unblemished record.

Even crazier, the Pirates are getting it done inside an empty Williams Arena.

Now, limited fans have recently been allowed to attend the past few games, but could you imagine the Minges Maniacs right now cheering on an undefeated team?

ECU’s leading scorer Jayden Gardner sure can.

Next up, the Pirates open American Athletic Conference play at SMU (4-0) on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 8 ET on ESPN+. ECU is just 5-16 all-time against the Mustangs, but defeated them last season, 71-68, in Greenville.

Copyright 2020 WITN. All rights reserved.