ESTERO, Fla. — In a repeat of Monday’s loss, Toledo got down early to East Carolina, had the lead at halftime, and then couldn’t defend in the final minutes, suffering a second consecutive unexpected loss at the Gulf Coast Showcase.
East Carolina made 10 straight shots during the final nine minutes, including six 3-pointers, turning a one-point deficit into a 15-point lead and an eventual 86-75 win.
“We have too many mental lapses on defense,” UT guard RayJ Dennis said. “Once we get back to Toledo, we have to fix some things quickly.”
The Pirates shot better than 50 percent in the second half and made 7 of 13 3s.