TheEast
Carolinian
Mike Houston joins Clemson
Clemson University has announced the addition of former East Carolina University head coach Mike Houston to its football program as a defensive analyst. Houston, who spent six seasons at East Carolina and helped lead James Madison University to an FCS national championship in 2016, brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers coaching staff.
After an underwhelming 3-4 start to last season, Houston was let go as head coach of ECU and replaced by current head coach Blake Harrell. During Houston’s tenure with the Pirates, he worked to bring success to the program, with back-to-back bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022. However, after struggling early in the 2024 season with higher hopes from the program, Houston was relieved of his duties in October of 2024.
Prior to his time at JMU and ECU Houston served as head coach of The Citadel, The Military College Of South Carolina, where he brought a Southern Conference Championship in 2015. As a head coach at four different schools, Houston has a career 106-62 record. After spending most of his coaching
career as a head coach, Houston will now be working under Clemson’s new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Clemson has also hired new offensive analyst Lonnie Galloway just a few days before hiring Mike Houston.
Clemson’s decision to bring in Houston comes at a pivotal time for the program. The Tigers, who have been a dominant force in the ACC, are looking to get back on track after missing the College Football Playoffs in recent years. Looking to get back to the playoffs, Clemson believe it would be beneficial if they had another seasoned voice on the coaching staff.
Houston now gets a fresh start in a lesser role as a defensive analyst for Clemson, where he will work to bring a national championship back to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Coaching under head coach Dabo Swinney now allows him to focus on defensive strategy and brings an extensive coaching background to support the Tigers defensive unit. This new opportunity allows him to stay with a Power Five program while potentially positioning himself for another head coaching job in the future.
Vance warns against overregulating AI
Vice President JD Vance said that the Trump administration will work to make the U.S. the “gold standard worldwide” for artificial intelligence as he issued strong warnings against regulating political speech. Speaking Tuesday to an audience in Paris that included several European Unionleaders, he took particular aim at the bloc’s tough regulatory approach to social-media platforms and AI, accusing it of trying to clamp down on Silicon Valley.
“The Trump administration is troubled by reports that some foreign governments are considering tightening the screws on U.S. tech companies with international footprints,” Vance said during an AI summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. “Now America cannot and will not accept that, and we think it’s a terrible mistake, not just for the United States of America, but for your own countries.”
He also said that the AI revolution won’t occur “if we allow AI to become dominated by massive players looking to use the tech to censor or control users thoughts.” He also warned countries against helping foreign adversaries gain access to advanced AI technology.
Vance’s appearance in Paris is his first major engagement on his first foreign trip as Donald Trump’s vice president. It’s a key test for the former Ohio senator, nearly 40 years Trump’s junior, who has positioned himself as an heir apparent to the president’s so-called MAGA movement.
He is set to meet with Macron, is expected to meet with European CommissionPresident Ursula von der Leyen.
The encounter comes at a delicate moment for U.S.-EU relations. Trump and Vance have been sharply critical of the European Union over its regulatory policies they say target American technology companies, including Apple Inc., Meta Platforms Inc, and Alphabet Inc.’s Google.
“Many of our most productive tech companies are forced to deal with the EU’s Digital Services Act and the massive regulations it created about taking down content and policing so called misinformation,” Vance said, referring to the bloc’s law that requires social-media platforms to moderate content. He added, “For some, the easiest way to avoid the dilemma has been to simply block EU users in the first place.”
Macron closed the conference by defending Europe’s approach, calling for international governance over AI and stressing the need to build a framework of trust.
The challenge, for companies and their investors as well as governments, “is to work out how to maintain confidence in artificial intelligence and its use, because that will be the key to its success.” Macron said. “We need these rules for artificial intelligence to progress.”
ECU Faculty Artist Kwan Yi performed a piano recital that was open to the public on Feb. 10, in the A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall.
Yi has performed across many countries, states and college campuses but ECU will be the first to hear his performance on composer Franz Liszt’s piece titled “Years Of Pilgrimage.”
Yi said “I just learned it and I'm presenting it for the first time.” The piece has three suites and was created after the years Liszt spent traveling around the countries of Switzerland and Italy.
Yi will specifically recite the second suite titled “Second Year: Italy” which Liszt composed after traveling across Italy, something that Yi says he relates to as he also travels a lot for work.
“You know the way how the composer was inspired by his travels also got me thinking in this direction to be inspired by traveling, which I do often, and just the whole idea of it having taken a journey, whether that's literally and figuratively.”
Although he is excited to perform it for the first time, he says “excitement is there, but also, you know, I'm concerned because I know how the piece should be.” Yi aims to make it
“ideal,” because he knows it isn't always possible.
That night, Yi opened the performance with a small monologue explaining the pieces, what they meant, and his inspiration to perform them.
Yi began with “Sposalizio,” He explained it as a very vibrant and happy piece that felt like a spring day, energetic and very positive.
Second, came “Il Penseroso”, a piece that he said was inspired by a sculpture Michelangelo made for a tombstone, making the piece one that was dark and gloomy.
The third was “Canzonetta del Salvator Rosa” he says it is about a man thinking about love in a “nonchalant way”, making it fairly happy and cheerful, completely contrasting “Il Penseroso.”
The fourth, fifth and sixth pieces are all sonnets written with the inspiration of love. He ended the night with “Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia Quasi Sonata.” Yi said “You can hear the depths of hell” in the piece. The piece was inspired by Dante's poem.
After his performance Yi met with the attendees outside the recital hall at the end of the performance. Yi spoke with them, and thanked everyone for coming to see him perform.
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
Former head coach Mike Houston coaching during the start of East Carolina University's football team 2024 preseason camp.
Kwan
performs
Garett Skillman TEC STAFF
Mark Roman TEC STAFF
BRIEFS
Research explores LGBTQ+ student relationships
Dr. Chengfei, a professor in East Carolina University's Human Development and Family Science, is conducting a study on relationship dynamics among LGBTQ+ college students. The research focuses on parent-child relationships, romantic partnerships, and social and mental well-being. LGTBQ+ students enrolled in the university between the ages of 18 and 29 are eligible to participate. The online survey takes 30 to 40 minutes, and participants have a chance to win a $10 gift card. All of the responses are confidential and are stored securely for three years. The study is approved by ECU and the Medical Center Institutional Review board and more information can be found on their website.
Agromedicine Institute continues Western NC aid
In response to the most recent hurricane tragedy in western North Carolina, North Carolina’s agromedicine institute has expanded the mental health outreach through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. The North Carolina Agromedicine Institute is a partnership between East Carolina University, North Carolina A&T, and North Carolina State University and has been instrumental in aiding farmers after Hurricane Helene.
The institute has been providing protective equipment, mental health support, and education on safety practices. There is an estimated $7 billion in crop losses, taking a massive toll on the farmers. The institute continues to provide aid and resources to get farmers back on their feet.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
ECU alumni killed in Potomac River crash
On Jan. 29, an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter were involved in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River. 67 people were killed, with one being a member of ECU alumni James “Tommy” Clagget. According to The Baltimore Banner, Clagget and six of his friends were flying back from Kansas where they were on a duck-hunting trip. Clagget earned his bachelor's degree in construction management. Clagget worked at Gaghan Mechanical for 16 years. The company created a GoFundeMe page where the proceeds will go to Clagget’s wife Jill and his two children, Zoey and Alaina.
Trump backs off threat to withhold U.S. aid for Jordan
was asked directly by reporters if he would cut off aid to Egypt and Jordan if they did not agree to accept Palestinian refugees.
President Donald Trump backed off his threat to withhold U.S. aid for Jordan after King Abdullah II agreed during a White House meeting to accept 2,000 ill children from Gaza.
Trump on Tuesday reiterated his desire for the U.S. to take ownership of Gaza, but Abdullah sidestepped questions about the lightning-rod plan, saying he would discuss the future of the territory at an upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia once Egypt presents its proposal.
The U.S. president called the king’s offer to resettle sick children a “beautiful” gesture and heaped praise on the Jordanian leader.
“We contribute a lot of money to Jordan and to Egypt, by the way, a lot to both. But I don’t have to threaten that. I think we’re above that,” Trump told reporters.
Near the start of the meeting, Abdullah said he would get the children, who are either cancer patients or “in a very ill state,” to Jordan “as quickly as possible.”
Trump’s call to turn the Gaza Strip into a U.S.-owned “Riviera” has drawn widespread condemnation in the Middle East, potentially imperiling the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas. But Abdullah’s visit to Washington shows Arab leaders have little choice but to deal with the emboldened U.S. president.
Abdullah had been expected to deliver a message from his cohorts that Trump’s proposal was a non-starter. Critics have said the plan amounts to ethnic cleansing. Jordan and Egypt already rejected his plan to relocate Gaza’s Palestinians to their countries in order to rebuild a strip that he has called a “demolition site.”
Trump nonetheless has indicated he is serious about displacement and unwilling to back down in the face of criticism. The president said “no” when asked during a recent Fox News interview if Palestinians would have the right of return to Gaza. He also suggested he could use U.S. foreign aid as leverage against Jordan and Egypt.
“I’m talking about building a permanent place for them” because Gaza is "not habitable,” Trump said in the interview.
Trump heightened that pressure on Monday ahead of Abdullah’s visit, when he
“Yeah, maybe, sure, why not? If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes,” Trump said.
The real estate developer-turned-president said on Tuesday, however, that he did not plan to personally buy property in Gaza during his proposed U.S.-led rebuilding effort.
“No,” Trump said. “You could just do more good for people when you’re president.”
Jordan and Egypt were the fourth- and fifth-largest recipients of U.S. aid in 2023, according to an analysis from Bloomberg Economics. That aid accounts for less than 0.5% of Egypt’s gross domestic product, but Jordan is more exposed, with the assistance making up 3% of its GDP.
Fueling the solidarity with Palestinians is concern among Arab leaders about broader regional stability. In addition to the Gaza conflict, Israel has carried out strikes in Lebanon, Syria is grappling with the demise of Bashar Al-Assad, Egyptand Jordan’s leaders have internal security woes, and Saudi Arabia is once again mulling a normalization deal with Israel.
All of those dynamics could be rattled if Trump pushed ahead with a forced displacement of Palestinians after a conflict that has seen tens of thousands killed.
Trump has also added to uncertainty about the fragile ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the U.S., threatened to delay indefinitely the next release of Israeli hostages that’s scheduled for this weekend.
“If all the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday 12 o’clock — I think it’s an appropriate time — I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” Trump said, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that warning later Tuesday, saying that “if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end” and the Israeli military “will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas.” But it wasn’t immediately clear whether Netanyahu was referring to the release of all hostages or only those in the next planned exchange for Palestinians held by Israel.
President Trump withdrew threat to withhold U.S. aid for Jordan after King Abdullah II agreed, during a White House meeting, to accept ill Gazan children.
Potomac River rescue efforts after the mid-air collision of an American Arlines jet and army helicopter.
OUR VIEW
Super Bowl LIX halftime performance was subpar
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that the superbowl performance this year by Kendrick Lamar was subpar at best.
First off, it was filled with personal attacks on well known rapper Drake. Lamar made the decision to perform “Not Like Us,” a diss track targeting Drake. The performance also featured Serena Williams, Drake’s ex-girlfriend, dancing on stage. SZA joined in on Lamar’s performance to sing their collaborations “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Although her performance was good, SZA is Drake’s ex-girlfriend so this could also be recognized as an attack.
Using the Super Bowl as a platform for personal attacks is extremely questionable. This is not only unprofessional, but detracts from the purpose of the half time super bowl performance - enjoying music.
Lamar’s choice of attire for the performance was also one that sparked debate. All we can really ask is: does this signify the return of the bell bottoms?
The halftime show should aim for broader appeal of music that resonates with a more diverse audience. It should also not be used as a platform for revenge or personal attacks. Compared to previous Super Bowl performances, we think this one just didn’t make the cut.
PIRATE RANTS
The opening of Shake Smart has been long awaited by the students of East Carolina University because they market healthy, high-protein foods, which is a breath of fresh air from the overwhelming fast food choices in the student center.
My expectations were not high since places offering healthy foods sometimes end up lacking in taste. I can’t say my expectations were wrong, because although they have a wide variety of flavor options, the taste of their shakes isn’t anything extraordinary.
Their shakes are far from bad and offer many variations of combinations, but the chalky texture isn’t something I’d spend money on. Unfortunately, the texture is a recurring weak point in their shakes. This could be due to the protein powder used
in their recipes. Therefore, it’s not likely to change in the future.
Beyond the shakes, they have very trendy, healthy food items such as avocado toast, overnight oats, acai bowls, and more. This adds very different and flavorful food groups into the student center, which is a great choice for students looking towards a healthier and more protein-based meal.
An admirable factor of their menu is how much protein they pack into their foods. Whether it’s the protein balls, wraps, or even coffee, they manage to offer anywhere from 6-50 grams of protein.
While Shake Smart’s healthy options are appealing, it’s not the option I pick when I’m in a hurry. They don’t offer the typical online ordering service through Grubhub like the other restaurants in the student center. You order through touch screens making it easy to customize your order, however, this causes long lines to form.
Shake Smart is a refreshing addition to the student center, but definitely has some kinks to work out. Overall, they stand for the importance of nutritional options for students and benefit the health and wellness of ECU Pirates.
No more diversity, equity, or inclusion requirements? Way to stand up for what’s right, Vichy-u.
The removal of DEI programs hinders the pursuit of equality by ignoring systemic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing the same opportunities as others. DEI was not about giving fields so that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or background, could compete fairly. Without these initiatives, existing inequalities in education, and other areas will likely widen, making it harder for disadvantaged individuals to succeed.
I’m really getting fed up with the weather we’re having right now. One day I could wear a tank top and shorts, and the next a sweatshirt and jacket still isn’t enough to keep me warm.
Removing DEI programs hinders equality by limiting fair opportunities. Achieving justice requires providing equal opportunities for everyone based on their abilities,
In my opinion, the removal of DEI is controversial because everyone has different qualities and they have to be treated no matter what happens. Especially equity that is inherent and inalienable of a human being.
What is up with Google Maps changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America? Did any laws pass that I missed?
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding school choice. The order directs federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, to issue guidance on how states can use federal funds to expand “educational choice” initiatives and encourage “education freedom.”
This order was signed alongside another to “end radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling,” which seeks to end funding for schools that support and include honest and critical conversations around race, gender and sexuality in their curricula.
Both of these orders are a fear tactic designed to create distrust in our public schools. In reality, expansion of school choice programs deepens inequities and drains resources from public schools, and censoring curricula restricts students’ right to learn.
Additionally, cases such as Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board v. Drummond, which will be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court this spring, present existential challenges to secular public education as we currently know it. This matter concerns what could be the country’s first religious charter school, which would not only open opportunities for school choice expansion, but also threaten to erode religious freedom and the line between church and state in our institutions.
The Trump administration will claim that these orders are a win for parent choice. Every parent wants the best education for their child. And every child, no matter where they live, deserves a high-quality education. Parents should be involved in their students’ education, but instead of creating avenues for families to leave public schools, we should
focus on bettering our current options.
The solution isn’t to use public tax dollars to fund privatized institutions that serve only the select few. The solution is to fully fund our neighborhood public schools so that all children can benefit. chool choice is a distraction. It shifts the focus — and the funds — away from collective responsibility for providing excellent educational opportunities for all toward a competition for individual gain.
Not only does school choice undermine the principle of public education as a public good, but it also increases the divide between students who have access and those who don’t. State funding for education and other critical spending priorities all comes from the same pot — more money for private schools and charters means less for rural and low-income schools. School choice doesn’t create more options if it only does so by divesting from
add up.
Illinois has rejected school choice legislation before — because it doesn’t work. The 2017 Invest in Kids Act, which privately funded scholarships for 15,000 students, ended in 2023. While school choice supporters in Illinois often highlight the loss of scholarships when this bill ended, they fail to mention the 1.85 million students in Illinois public schools who were shortchanged by the legislation.
Programs such as Invest in Kids siphon state resources away from neighborhood public schools, forcing those schools to compete for limited resources, leading to larger class sizes, fewer extracurriculars and reduced support services, while private schools benefit.
neighborhood public schools. The math doesn’t
The East Carolinian does not
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS
TODAY
Valentine’s Candle Making Coopers Cup 2588 Railroad Street, Winterville, NC 28590
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Live Music Thursdays
5th Street Hardware
Restaurant and Taproom
120 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (252)-364-8921
Palentine’s Day
Women and Gender Center, MCSC Suite 108 East Carolina University,
Kendrick Lamar performs at Super Bowl
Peter Sblendorio
There was never a question what Kendrick Lamar’s era-hopping Super Bowl LIX halftime show was building up to.
For the past nine months, Lamar’s“Not Like Us” has been the pop-culture anthem, the gem of the rapper’s decade-long feud with Drake, which reached a fever pitch with the song’s release last spring.
It was a matter of when, not if, Lamar would perform the ruthless diss track at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Lamar began with “Squabble Up” and cruised through a medley of his biggest hits, including “HUMBLE,” “Loyalty” and “All the Stars.”
He had help from Samuel L. Jackson, who interjected throughout the show with an Uncle Sam impersonation; Serena Williams, who danced on the stage; and SZA and Mustard, who performed cameos.
to the stylish scene, at one point surrounding Lamar in an image resembling an American flag.
And when Lamar finally got to “Not Like Us,” a capacity crowd roared in unison.
There was no earth-shattering surprise, like some had speculated Lamar would deliver.
Taylor Swift, who features Lamar in her “Bad Blood” remix, was in the building to cheer on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She did not perform with Lamar like some overly optimistic fans had prayed for.
But Sunday marked the fiercest salvo yet in Lamar’s spat with Drake, who was halfway across the world for a tour stop in Australia.
The NFL selected Lamar as its Super Bowl halftime show performer in September, four months after “Not Like Us” came out.
“I think I’ve always been very open about storytelling through all my catalog and my history of music,” Lamar said Thursday at a press conference. “I’ve always had a passion about bringing that on whatever stage I’m on.” Sunday’s performance continued a momentous month for Lamar, who won five awards at last week’s Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for “Not Like Us.”
Lamar became the first rapper to be the solo headliner of a Super Bowl halftime show.
In 2022, he was a guest performer at the hip-hop-centric halftime show in Los Angeles, where Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem were among the others to take the stage.
TOMORROW
Treats n’ Tarot Holistic Company 501 Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Valentine’s Day Extravaganza
Nauti Dog Brewing Co.
210 Main Street, Winterville, NC 28590
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (252)-227-4231
Fresh Food Friday
HSC Well-Being Hub
128 E. 7th St Eakin Student Recreation Center, Greenville, NC 27858, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Bike Repair Clinic
Sonic Plaza (between Joyner and MCSC) East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
International Coffee Hour
Ledonia Wright Cultural Center Suite 100, ECU Main Campus Student Center, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
SATURDAY
Love Local
Farmers Market
Leroy James Farmers Market
4560 County Home Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dancers in red, white and blue contributed
The song peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving Lamar his fifth No. 1 single. In November, Lamar released a surprise album, “GNX,” that topped the Billboard 200 chart, giving him his fifth No. 1 album.
Lamar and SZA are set to begin a tour in April, with a pair of concerts scheduled at MetLife Stadium on May 8-9.
Vince Neil speaks after jet collision kills pilot
Ganz
Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil has released a statement after his jet reportedly hit an aircraft owned by actor Vince Vaughn in Arizona, killing at least one and injuring three others.
The heavy metal frontman’s Learjet 35 reportedly hit a parked Gulfstream G200 Monday afternoon at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, according to local outlets.
“Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today,” read a statement from his lawyer, Worrick Robinson, IV.
The statement noted that the incident occurred “for reasons unknown at this time,” pending the “rapidly evolving situation” and “ongoing investigation.”
“On board Mr Neil’s plane were two pilots and two passengers. Mr. Neil was not on the plane,” said Robinson’s statement.
Neil’s manager told TMZ that though he was not aboard, his girlfriend, Rain, and her friend Ashley were on board and hospitalized, the former with five broken ribs, Neil’s manager told TMZ. One of that plane’s pilots was killed. Early reports of the incident claimed the parked jet’s tail number was that of a plane belonging to actor Vince Vaughn, but that
has not been independently confirmed. A representative for Vaughn did not immediately respond to the Daily News’ request for comment about whether
Classifieds & Puzzles
Jacqueline E. Mathews
Aries (March 21-April 19)
— Today is a 7 — You may feel disillusioned regarding your work or health. Keep your attitude positive. Optimism rewards. Exercise to grow energy, vitality and good humor.
HORO-
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Practice the art of persuasion. Indulge a romantic fantasy but keep it practical. Conversation can shift a vague possibility to a concrete reality.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Family and domestic matters hold your attention. Show appreciation for the efforts of others. Inspire by example. Relax and share home comforts and treats.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — You can learn what you need to know. Intellectual pursuits can provide satisfying results, once you get past a nebulous obstacle. Research provides solutions.
COMICS
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — That money could show up anytime now. Listen carefully to follow instructions and rules. Provide satisfying results. Use gentle pressure rather than force.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Don’t get disheartened when dreams seem distant from reality. Dress for the part you want and practice persistently. Learn new tricks. Stay in action.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Review and refine your plans and objectives. Envision how you’d love things to happen. Organize the steps to take for later implementation. Relax.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Wait for developments with a team challenge. Strengthen foundational infrastructure. Strategize and coordinate your actions for efficiency and grace. Collaboration generates solid results.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — You’re attracting attention. Expand your professional boundaries. Maintain objectivity as you learn new techniques. Try fresh ideas. Follow rules and stay in action.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Stick to the practical road. Deviations and distractions could get expensive. Minimize risk and choose a reliable route. What you’re learning provides lasting value.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Optimism fuels financial growth for your shared accounts. Collaborate to generate a rise in positive cash flow. Clarify objectives, goals and measures. Work together.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Clarify communications with your partner. Save time and costly mistakes by coordinating your efforts. Organize your strategies to support your long-term goals.
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Comic
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Garett Skillman TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. GMU
Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
With an almost fully restructured roster compared to last year, I think the first few games will be more of an experimental weekend, leading us to drop one game to George Mason. While I do have a ton of faith in Cliff Godwin and the few vets that we were able to retain, I think we drop one game before beating Campbell University on Tuesday.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. GMU
ECU 3-0
Why?
The Pirates are getting a little heat thrown their way this year with being unranked but I have faith in Godwin, Norby, Johnson, and Williams to lead this squad. This George Mason team had a tough season last year and for our first opponent we should handle business before we take on UNC Chapel Hill next weekend.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. GMU Score Prediction?
ECU 3-0
Why?
The Pirates are unranked for the first time since 2018 and the people have a lot of question marks about the season. That being said, one thing remains consistent, Cliff Godwin. While I expect us to play around with the lineup this weekend and what we will see this weekend won’t be the same starting lineup at the end of the year, I still expect big things out of the Pirates and I expect nothing less than a sweep this weekend.
ECU avenges early season defeat
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
On Saturday, East Carolina University women’s basketball team (13-11, 5-7 American Athletic Conference) secured a 73-64 victory over the University of Tulsa (12-12, 6-6 American Athletic conference) at Minges Coliseum. This win was particularly significant for the Pirates as it allowed them to even the season series against the Golden Hurricane, winning by the same margin 9 points that Tulsa beat them by in the first matchup.
The game was a back-and-forth contest in the first half, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Tulsa came out strong in the first quarter, capitalizing on ECU’s early shooting struggles to gain a slight edge. ECU, however, responded with tough defense and solid rebounding, keeping the game close despite Tulsa’s ability to hit timely shots.
The Golden Hurricane briefly held a five-point lead in the second quarter, but ECU’s frontcourt trio of sophomore forward Amiya Joyner, junior forward
Anzhané Hutton, and junior forward Tatyana Wyche all played a crucial role in keeping the Pirates within striking distance. Their play in the paint not only secured valuable second-chance opportunities but also forced Tulsa into foul trouble.
Midway through the second quarter, ECU began to find its offensive rhythm, sparked by key contributions from sophomore guard Khia Miller and freshman guard Devin Hagemann. The Pirates closed the half strong, taking a slim lead into the locker room. Coming out of halftime, ECU wasted no time in asserting control. A 15-2 run to open the third quarter that shifted momentum entirely in favor of the Pirates, as they extended their lead. Their defensive intensity forced multiple turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities that were expertly converted by their guards.
Despite the big deficit, Tulsa refused to go away quietly. Tulsa mounted a fourth-quarter rally, going on a 9-0 run that cut ECU’s lead to just five points. With the game hanging in the balance, the Pirates needed a response, and they
got one from Hagemann, who knocked down a crucial three-pointer as the shot clock expired, stalling Tulsa’s momentum. Joyner and Miller then took over in the closing minutes, making key defensive stops and converting high-pressure free throws to seal the victory.
Joyner was the game’s standout performer, leading all scorers with 21 points while also pulling down crucial rebounds in the final stretch. The Pirates ability to dominate the paint was a decisive factor, as they outscored Tulsa in second-chance points and points in the paint. Additionally, ECU’s defensive effort forced 18 Tulsa turnovers, which proved to be the difference-maker in a game where every possession mattered. With this win, ECU improved its season record to 13-11 overall and 5-7 in the American Athletic Conference. The Pirates now look ahead to their next challenge against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) (20-3, 12-1 American athletic conference) on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Saturday night East Carolina University (13-11, 5-6 American Athletic Conference) went on the road to face conference foe University of Texas San Antonio (10-13, 4-7 AAC). Coming into this matchup the Pirates had lost back to back games and were sliding in the American Conference standings.
After trailing for the majority of the first half, the Pirates clawed their way back in the second and won the game 80-79 courtesy of a turnaround jump shot from just below the free throw line in the final seconds by senior forward C.J. Walker.
Walker in this game recorded a stat line of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks leading the Pirates to victory. Walker now has scored over 20 points in his last three games. He was named American Athletic Confer-
ence Player of the week Monday afternoon and National Player of the week on Tuesday afternoon. Senior guard Jordan Riley put on a stellar performance as well with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Senior guards RJ Felton (15) and Cam Hayes (10) also added double digit scoring performances to the campaign.
This back and forth game began with free throws from Riley to give the Pirates an early advantage but the lead did not last long. There were a total of 13 lead changes and eight ties in this ball game. By about the mid way point in the half ECU found themselves down nine points to the Roadrunners. ECU would not find a lead for the remainder of the half and would go on to trail 40-33 at the break.
The second half began and for the first few minutes the Roadrunners were able to maintain their advantage. The Pirates then went on a 7-0 run to cut UTSA’s lead to just one point with fifteen minutes left to play. The two teams continued to go back and forth for the remainder of the half with many lead changes and ties.
With 48 seconds left to play ECU was down 79-75. The two teams traded empty possessions for about 20 seconds then with 21 seconds left on the clock junior forward Trevion LeBeaux came up with a steal at mid court. LaBeaux then dumped it off to Jordan Riley who fought through contact from two defenders and while hanging in the air laid the ball up off the glass with his right hand for an and one chance.
Riley went to the free throw line and sunk the shot to put the Pirates down 79-78 with 17 seconds left to play. C.J. Walker then came
up with the Pirates second steal in the final minute to give ECU a chance to go and win the game. Following the steal, Head Coach Mike Schwartz called a time out with 14 seconds left to play. The Pirates possessed the ball on UTSA’s side of the court with victory in reach. Cam Hayes passed the ball to Walker at the high post. He gave his defender a shoulder on the left side, spun back around to the right and let it go over top of the defender and hit the winning shot, all nylon. UTSA then inbounded the ball with four seconds to play and missed a heave from three to give the Pirates the win 80-79.
East Carolina will be back in action this Tuesday, Feb 11. at 7 p.m vs
BECCA ERZEN THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina women’s basketball celebrates the victory with Head Coach Kim McNeill over the University of Tulsa after a hard fought battle.
ERZEN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina senior guard Jordan Riley introduced to the starting lineup at Minges-Coliseum.