Pirates Set Sail into AAC Showdown Against South Florida on New Year’s Eve!

 
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina commences American Athletic Conference competition just before the change of the calendar to 2025 as the Pirates travel to South Florida on New Year’s Eve for the conference opener for both squads. 

The contest is scheduled for a 3 p.m. tip-off and will be available for streaming on ESPN+ featuring Jim Louk (play-by-play) and Jacob Ridenhour (analyst) providing commentary. Fans of the Pirates can also listen in on 107.9 WNCT FM, 94.3 The Game, or download the IBX app to catch Daron Vaught narrating the game. 

ECU aims to secure its AAC opener victory for the first time since the 2021-22 season when ECU triumphed over Tulane, 88-80, in overtime at home. 

The leading scorer for the Pirates is All-AAC Preseason First Team guard RJ Felton, contributing 17.5 points per game and also averaging 6.4 rebounds per game. Secondary scoring is provided by C.J. Walker, who averages 16.5 ppg and tops the team in rebounding with 6.8 per game. Other notable contributors include Jordan Riley (13.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Cam Hayes (10.8 ppg, 3.8 apg), completing ECU’s scorers in double figures. The group of Felton, Walker, Riley, and Hayes collectively accounts for 76 percent of the Pirates’ scoring output.

Entering AAC play, ECU has dropped four of its last five matches following a strong 7-1 start to the season.

 

Last Time Out

RJ Felton recorded 19 points, but East Carolina was unable to secure a defensive stop in the closing seconds as the Pirates fell 84-79 to Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon at Williams Arena in Minges Coliseum. Contributions also came from Jordan Riley and Cam Hayes, who each tallied 18 points, while Yann Farell added 11 points and Jayshayne Woodard chipped in five points along with three steals off the bench.

Scouting the Bulls

South Florida enters Tuesday’s matchup with a two-game winning streak, recently defeating Webber International 106-49 with five Bulls scoring in double figures, led by Brandon Stroud’s 16 points. Jayden Reid tops South Florida’s scoring chart with 12.5 points per game. Currently, South Florida boasts a 5-1 record at home this season.

Series History

South Florida holds a lead in the all-time series against ECU at 16-12, having claimed victory in the latest encounter, 81-59, during the AAC Quarterfinals last year. The Bulls have emerged victorious in four of the last five meetings, and the Pirates have a record of 4-7 in games played in Tampa.

On This Date

The Pirates have a record of 4-7 for games conducted on Dec. 31, with the most recent contest being played on New Year’s Eve in 2022-23, where they triumphed over Wichita State on the road, 79-69, marking the Pirates’ first victory against the Shockers. The Pirates stand at 2-3 in road encounters held on New Year’s Eve.

Up Next

East Carolina will face Florida Atlantic at home for a nationally broadcast game on Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.