It is doubtful anybody enjoyed East Carolina’s blowout basketball victory over Florida Atlantic on Tuesday more than Grant Bryant.
Bryant, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward who was averaging just 3.8 minutes per game this season, tripled his previous career-high with 12 points and was one of three Pirates in double-figure scoring as they blew out FAU, 74-48, in Minges Coliseum. Bryant had only six points this season prior to Tuesday’s game, but the Kennesaw, Ga., native was ready for additional playing time in the absence of Michel Nzege, who did not play after injuring an ankle in practice.
“Obviously Ziggy didn’t play so it was a good opportunity for me to put myself on the floor and earn coach (Jeff) Lebo’s trust and show him that I can play defense, score the ball (and) execute,” Bryant said.