Jamar Abrams scored 25 points and Jontae Sherrod added 21 to lead East Carolina over UTEP 83-76 on Wednesday night.
The Pirates (14-13, 6-7 Conference USA) led 29-27 at halftime, before going 30 of 37 from the free-throw line, along with shooting 45.5 percent from the field (10 of 22) in the second half. East Carolina was sent to the foul line 45 times, making 35. Sherrod was 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and Darrius Marrow, who scored 19 points, was 7 of 10 for the Pirates.
The Pirates, who snapped a three-game skid, shot 42 percent from the field (21 of 50) for the game after shooting under 40 percent in five of its last six.
East Carolina led 63-59 with 7:28 to play before pulling away with a 7-0 run capped by Sherrod's jumper with 5:10 remaining.
Randy Culpepper led the Miners (20-7, 8-4) with 22 points and Gabriel McCulley added 17.
