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GREENVILLE, N.C. (SMU) –
Kayla White scored 18 on 7-of-10 shooting as the Mustangs defeated ECU, 55-47, inside Minges Coliseum in the first conference road game of the season.
The Mustangs (7-7, 1-1 AAC) earned their second ever win at ECU and its first victory since 2008 and improved to 1-1 in the early going of conference play. SMU out-rebounded ECU 43-27, with all five Mustang starters finishing with 5+ boards.
White scored 18+ for the third time in this season. Her 18 points were the most by a Mustang off the bench this season. White also contributed six rebounds.
ECU (3-12, 0-2) was held to their second worst shooting performance of the season thanks to a strong performance by the Mustang defense. In the second half, SMU held ECU to 17 percent from the field.
JaQuia White had a strong first quarter for SMU, hitting 3-of-4 from the field, contributing seven points. SMU held a three-point advantage after 10 minutes of action. SMU defense stifled the ECU attack in the middle of the second quarter, keeping the Pirates off the board for six minutes of gametime. SMU held a two-point edge at the break.
The Mustangs defense forced 13 straight misses, including 11 in the third as they pushed the lead to seven at the end of the third. They quickly extended the lead to 12 early in the fourth.
ECU pulled to within four with one minute to play but the Mustangs were able to ice the game with free throws down the stretch. After not earning any free throws in the first half, the Mustangs had 15 attempts from the line in the second, knocking down 12-of-15 (80%).
Amber Bacon contributed six points, six rebounds and six assists on her night while fellow guard
Reagan Bradley brought in seven boards and hit 4-of-4 from the line.
Johnasia Cash had nine points, all in the second half, and chipped in eight boards.
JaQuia White played the entire game for the Mustangs and finished with nine points, five boards and four assists.
ECU, the top turnover forcing team in the conference, continued that trend forcing 27 Mustang giveaways. Lashonda Monk led the Pirates with a 23-point night.
Next up, the Mustangs remain on the road as they head to Philadelphia take on Temple. Tip is set for 2 p.m. CT on Saturday.
