Robert Sampson scored 13 points and Maurice Kemp added 11 for East Carolina in a 62-43 win over SMU Wednesday night, securing the Pirates' first home Conference USA victory of the season.
In a contest that was close early and tied at 12-all with 11 minutes until halftime, Darrius Morrow's three-point play started a 10-0 Pirates run. East Carolina (11-10, 2-6) led the rest of the way, taking a 31-17 lead at intermission and outscoring the Mustangs 31-26 in the second half.
The Pirates snapped a two-game losing streak against SMU in their all-time series, and have now won two straight games in the wake of a six-game losing skid.
Sampson and Shamarr Bowden each knocked down three 3-pointers for the Pirates, who shot 10 of 28 from the arc (35.7 percent). The Mustangs were 0 of 11 from long range.
Jalen Jones had 11 points for SMU (10-12, 2-6).
