Crosswalk collision on 10th street
According to Greenville Police, on Sunday, Jan. 19, at approximately 7 p.m. a pedestrian crossing the crosswalk on Founder’s Drive was struck by a car turning right onto 10th street from Founders Drive.
The driver is Gunner Orion Davis, 22, of Wilmington, NC was driving a Chevy truck. He is being charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian with serious bodily injury/unsafe movement.
The name of the pedestrian can not be disclosed due to The Driver's Privacy Protection Act, but they say she is an 18-yearold woman. She was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
This happens after a similar incident last November where two women, aged 19 and 20, were hit by an S.U.V. on 10th Street. Both survived the accident but were hospitalized with severe injuries.
Greenville Police state that driver and pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, involving being aware and following traffic rules. Drivers should always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and look for them in blindspots.
Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing especially at night, and obey all traffic signs and remain alert. They should also make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see them before crossing the road.
ECU professor charged with child exploitation
Blace Nalavany, Associate Professor of social work at East Carolina University, was recently arrested and charged with child exploitation.
The East Carolinian contacted Pitt County Sheriff's Office who said Nalavany was booked into their detention center on Jan. 27 at 4:30 p.m. He was charged with 10 counts of second degree sexual exploitations of a minor, and is now facing a $750,000 bond.
According to North Carolina’s State Bureau of Investigations’ website, the Federal Bureau of Investigation requested their assistance in this child pornography case. The SBI aided the FBI when issuing a search warrant to a home located in Winterville yesterday afternoon.
WITN obtained warrants stating the material in his possession were images and videos of children whose ages ranged from six to ten in sexual situations. Some warrants said the children were alone, while others said an adult was involved.
ECU’s website says Nalavany has been a faculty member of ECU’s school of social work since 2006. He is a licensed clinical social worker, and teaches exclusively in the master of social work program, but has been placed on administrative suspension.
A former Nalavany student who did not want to be named said he would have never expected this from him due to the fact that he worked with minors sexual abuse victims.
Within his career, Nalavany has had experience in providing clinical service to children, adolescents, and families with histories of child sexual abuse. However, his research mostly centers on Dyslexia and dives further into the socio-emotional dynamics of dyslexia within the family.
ECU football military bowl victory celebration
Last Friday, Jan, 24. East Carolina Football hosted an event to celebrate the Pirates Military Bowl victory over North Carolina State University. The Pirates were also celebrating the epic turnaround that was the 2024 season. The event took place in the Walter and Marie Williams Hall of Fame area as well as the mens and womens basketball auxiliary gymnasiums.
Upon entry fans were greeted by the ECU Cheer team where they received a commemorative Military Bowl poster and a TowneBank rally towel. A photo opportunity was set up with ECU mascot PeeDee the Pirate in front of a lit sign reading “HARRELL YEAH” surrounded by purple and gold balloons. To the left of the photo opportunity, fans were able to meet and get autographs from sophomore quarterback Katin Houser. To the right of the photo opportunity, fans were able to do the same with former running back Rahjai Harris.
In the women's basketball auxiliary gym fans got the chance to meet and get autographs from Head Coach Blake Harrell. There was another photo opportunity with the 2024 Military Bowl trophy which fans had access to after meeting coach Harrell. In the men's basketball auxiliary gym fans were able to meet and get signatures from the rest of the team. Fans had the opportunity to enter a raffle as well. The prizes included a football that was used in the game, a game worn ECU jersey from the military bowl, an ECU helmet, and lunch with Coach Harrell. Macy Gladson, Executive Director of Pirate Club Operations said, “we are expecting around 1000 people tonight and we have 97 players in attendance”
When asked about the event, Coach Harrell said, “This is not just a celebration for our football team or my self or for any certain
player, this is a celebration for pirate nation and as I said from the getgo it takes all of us to get this thing done and it certainly has so just a special night for those folks”.
TEC reporters also got the chance to catch up with Katin Houser. He said, “We are thankful for all the continued support and all of the people showing up…we will need the support again come August 28th”.
ECU football will kick off the 2025 season Thursday Aug, 28. They will travel to Carter Findley stadium to take on their in-state rivals, North Carolina State University.
Pedestrian seriously injured when crossing the crosswalk on Founder's Drive. The driver is Gunner Orion Davis and
East Carolina University's football team hoists the Military Bowl trophy in celebration after
This writer can be contacted at
Alexa Anderson TEC STAFF
COURTESY
Blace Nalavany, ECU social work professor headshots.
BRIEFS
Treasured Pirates, longtime employees recognized
East Carolina University
recognized its 2024 treasured pirates and longtime employees on Jan. 13 at Harvey Hall. The ceremony honored faculty and staff with 30 or more years of service, including English professor Jim Kirkland, who was celebrated for 55 years at ECU. Three employees, Deborah Austin, Jim Kirkland, and Delores Reeves all received the Richard Caswell Award for 45 or more years of service to the state.
Kylee Corbett was named a Treasured Pirate. Treasured Pirates received a trophy and $500 for their exceptional contributions. The ceremony was a celebration and opportunity to show appreciation for ECU’s employees, with chancellor Rogers noting that their commitment makes a lasting impact on the community.
Mellon Foundation funds paid internship program
East Carolina University will receive more than $1 million from the Mellon Foundation to support paid archival studies internships. The funding is part of a $6.15 million grant awarded to Faculty Organizing for Community Archives Support (FOCAS), which is a collaboration of faculty from nine universities. ECU’s library science program will be represented by Drs. Vanessa Reyes, Vanessa Irvin, and Lindsay Mattock.
Over three years, the program will place students in more than 40 community archives, support curriculum development, and fund student opportunities conferences and professional associations.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Mendenhall's new look to be finished in March
Coming in March of this year Mendenhall will have a new look. Mendenhall, formerly known as the Mendenhall Student Center, was a space for students to enjoy themselves. Since the opening of the Main Student Center in 2019 Mendenhall has served a different purpose. The building houses several office spaces, Pirate Media 1, and multiple meeting locations.
Mendenhall was built in 1974 and held an eight-lane bowling alley, the Hendrix Theater, and various food options. It was named after Cynthia Anne Mendenhall, who began working as the director of the student union (now known as the Student Activities Board) in 1954.
In her 18 years at ECU, Mendenhall established several clubs, new student orientations, scholarship programs, and transfer student programs.
Mendenhall quickly became the hub for almost all campus activities within its first year of being open. The building housed several clubs and student organizations, such as the Student Union and Student Government offices. It also featured a recreational space, a billiards room, several TV and game rooms, and the central ticket office. "My friends and I used to hang out there all the time," said ECU alumna Laura Johnson. "If we were ever bored, we’d go in there and find different ways to kill time. It’s sad to know that students now won’t be able to enjoy Mendenhall like we did, but they also have the Main Campus Student Center.
It doesn’t have a bowling alley, but at least the students have a space to enjoy themselves."
Now, most of the spaces that Mendenhall was known for have been moved to the Main Student Center, leaving much of the building rarely used.
While many alumni have fond memories of the building, most current students have no idea what the history of Mendenhall is or what its uses are. Teagan Briley, a freshman nursing major admits “I had no idea what this building was.Someone told me once that there was a bowling alley in there, but I quickly figured out that was no longer true after I went inside
looking for it. Other than that, I have no idea what’s in there.”
Mendenhall has gone through several renovations in its fifty years of service but this time most of its unused spaces are being remodeled. L.L. Everett, a Project Manager here at ECU says “The existing spaces like the bowling alley and the billiards have been removed and are being renovated to house undergraduate and graduate admissions departments.”
According to Everett, the construction is expected to be done by March 1st.
at
President Donald Trump’s orders to redefine the country
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump issued executive orders revoking a wide range of policies and executive actions implemented by the Biden administration. Titled “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions,” the executive orders pave the way for a shift in priorities of the federal government.
-Emma Corbett „ “
It is important to remember that we as the American people are not without recourse.
According to the White House, there were reversals surrounding controversial topics, such as the rescinding of protections against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation under Executive Order 13988 or rescinding policies addressing climate change like Executive Orders 13990 and 14008. Emma Corbett, a senior in ECU studying political science with a pre-law concentration and the field director of the Youth People’s Alliance (YPA), said she was most concerned over the executive orders that pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, emphasizing the urgency of these issues now that the planet
has reached the critical 1.6°C warming above pre-industrial levels that scientists have warned about for decades.
“We should be focused on reversing the damage that has been done to our earth which takes a collective effort,” said Corbett. “This administration and the first day executive orders make me fear for the future of our climate, our foreign relations, the respect for our Democratic processes and, as an immigrant, and someone with an LGBTQ family member, I fear for the individuals who fall in the margins of our society.”
According to Corbett, it is important to recognize that some of the executive orders issued on day one may be largely symbolic, aimed at demonstrating Trump's commitment to his campaign promises such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
“I would encourage citizens to think very critically about how each of these executive orders personally impact them,” said Corbett. “It is important to remember that we as the American people are not without recourse. Now more than ever, local and state elections will be critically important and I encourage everyone to do research and elect representatives who best serve their interest, regardless of which party that may be.”
Emma Corbett is currently in the works of starting a chapter of YPA at ECU. The YPA is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization promoting youth involvement in the political system. If interested, contact: corbette22@students. ecu.edu.
BECCA ERZEM I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Construction and work underway in Mendenhall.
BECCA ERZEM I THE EAST CAROLINIAN New construction in Mendenhall (Student Center) is underway, set to be ready by March of this year.
Trisha Rangaraju TEC STAFF
Opinion
OUR VIEW
People should be cognizant
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that while Tik Tok is back, students should tread lightly.
Tiktok’s influence is undeniable. It has boosted our economy more than we ever thought and has completely reshaped the way we consume media. Its algorithm is precisely tailored to each individual which keeps us endlessly scrolling away. Tiktok has not only become an app, it has become a part of many individuals’ daily routine. If this is a good thing is strongly questionable.
One of the most significant concerns remains privacy. Although Tik Tok is back, nothing has been done about the potential security breaches with China that the administration was worried about only one week prior. Although this was just speculated, never confirmed nor denied, this does not mean this issue does not exist altogether. We must stay cautious and aware of this situation.
In addition, Tiktok creates misinformation, comparison, and anxiety. The endless cycle of scrolling can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Misinformation spreads incredibly quickly, and in an era where students rely strongly on social media for news, the risk of falling for false information is high. Critical thinking is crucial and it is important to understand that just because a fact appears on your For You Page doesn’t necessarily make it true, even if the influencers are very convincing.
Tiktok is not inherently bad. It is an app for creative expression and has provided a platform for many people to speak their mind, educate, empower, and inspire. We should just be aware of the potential risks and act accordingly. Don’t get too swept up in the borderline hypnotizing content that can sway your mind any way.
PIRATE RANTS
made in Pirate Rants.
ICE are a bunch of fascist cowards
From my point of view, I really like an article about second hand clothes. It is cheaper and more attractive for people who like trends. Those people want to get new ones and don’t focus on disadvantages about fast fashion. They prioritize their desire more than ethical issues.
A lot of people choose buy fast fashion because is cheap but some brands in the production process hurt environment In my opinion I will choose brands that are better for the environment even is more expensive. and some second hand clothing is new and well preserved is good choice.
The snack and food prices at the convenience stores on campus are a little outrageous. I bought a small pre-made chicken caesar wrap for like $12 and it was not enough food for the money.
Parking on campus is absolutely absurd. There is no reason why I should be ticketed for parking across from the Campus Rec Center. They should be a little more lenient.
As Donald Trump begins his second term, America’s health care system is in crisis: medical costs are skyrocketing, life expectancy has stagnated, and burnout runs rampant among health care workers.
These problems are likely to become worse now that Trump has handed the job of cutting the federal budget over to Elon Musk. He will lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a non-government entity tasked with slashing $500 billion in “wasteful” spending.
The harsh reality is that the mission can’t succeed without gutting health care access and coverage for millions of Americans.
Deleting dollars from American health care
Since Trump’s first term, the country’s economic outlook has worsened significantly. In 2016, the national debt was $19 trillion, with $430 billion allocated to annual interest payments. By 2024, the debt had nearly doubled to $36 trillion, requiring $882 billion in debt service — 12% of federal spending that is legally untouchable.
Add to that another 50% of government expenditures that Trump has deemed politically off-limits: Social Security ($1.35 trillion), Medicare ($848 billion) and Defense ($1.13 trillion). That leaves just $2.6 trillion — less than 40% of the $6.75 trillion federal budget — available for cuts. With Medicare off limits to DOGE, the options for major reductions are extremely limited. Big-ticket health care items like the $300 billion in tax-deductibility for employer-sponsored health insurance and $120 billion in expired health programs for veterans will prove politically untouchable. One will raise taxes for 160 million working families, and the latter will leave veterans without essential medical care.
This shortfall will require Musk and DOGE to cut billions in government health care spending. But where will they find it?
In a recent op-ed, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy proposed eliminating expired or misused funds for programs like Public Broadcasting and Planned Parenthood, but these examples account for less than $3 billion total — not even 1% of their target.
If significant reductions in cost are to be realized, DOGE will have to attack Medicaid and the ACA health. Here’s how 20 million people will likely lose coverage as a result, assuming this level of deficit savings is achieved:
1. Reduced ACA exchange funding Since its enactment in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has provided premium subsidies to Americans earning 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level. For lower-income families, the ACA also offers Cost Sharing Reductions, which help offset deductibles and co-payments that fund 30% of total medical costs per enrollee. Without CSRs, a family of four earning $40,000 could face deductibles as high as $5,000 before their insurance benefits apply. If Congress allows CSR payments to expire in 2026, federal spending would decrease by approximately $35 billion annually. If that happens, the Congressional Budget Office expects 7 million individuals to drop out of the exchanges. Worse, without affordable coverage alternatives, 4 million families would lose their health insurance altogether.
Ten steps forward, 50 steps back. That’s what the sum of progress in the U.S. feels like for many who believe in civil and human rights following President Donald Trump’s executive order against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In one fell swoop, the new administration wiped out gains that had made America a more just place.
Included in Trump’s barrage of orders last week was a sweeping denunciation of DEI programs, policies and positions within the federal government. It calls for ending what it calls “illegal discrimination“ and restoring “merit to government service.”
Though research is mixed on the effectiveness of individual programs, it’s clear that overall DEI efforts over the past decades have made a positive difference in workplaces and other areas of American life. Some businesses report it improves their bottom lines. Still, much work remains to be done on this front. The access and opportunity playing field is not yet near level.
Not when the federal and local governments and private companies routinely have volumes of valid discrimination cases filed against them. Not when various types of bias continue to fuel police-related mistreatment of people of color.
Trump’s order implies that merit isn’t already a factor in decisions to diversify
workplaces. The order suggests that no one who is nonwhite, disabled, female or otherwise “diverse“ can possibly also be qualified to do a job.
The core purpose of DEI has always been to open up access so a larger pool of qualified people from all backgrounds can be considered for jobs, promotions, better health care, housing, etc. The goal is to do away with discrimination, not promote it.
Yet, the order seeks to purge even the words diversity, equity and inclusion from the federal lexicon. How can we continue to combat historical wrongs if we cannot use the language that defines and explains solutions to past and present injustice?
Question for fair-minded Americans: What is so terrible or discriminatory about striving for workplaces that are more reflective of the actual American population? Why demonize even the discussion of having an equitable nation that truly provides equal opportunities for all — no matter your race, religion, gender or whom you choose to love?
Why is it a problem to intentionally enlighten employees about creating more welcoming spaces and understanding how to be more inclusive of co-workers? Doing so helps people work together and be more productive.
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS
TODAY
Polar Bear Plunge
ESRC Outdoor Pool
128 E. 7th St Eakin Student Recreation Center, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
6 PM – 8 PM
Get a Clue on Academics
Main Campus Student Center Room 125
1 AM – 2 PM
Open House for the Center for Student Success
Mendenhall 254- Center for Student Success Student Lounge
3 PM – 5 PM
Tales from the Field with Jeff Corwin East Carolina University Main Campus Student Center Ballrooms 501 East 10th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 252-328-6249
7:00 PM to 8:15 PM Knife Forging Pitt Community College 986 Pitt Tech Rd., Winterville, NC 28590 252-493-7317
6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
The Glass Menagerie Magnolia Arts Center 1703 E. 14th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 1888-622-3868
Intermediate Throwing with Ashley Shiosaky
Jaycee Park Center for Arts and Crafts
2000 Cedar Lane, Greenville, NC 27858 252-329-4546
Tomorrow
Nashville Nights Band
The State Theatre
110 West 5th St , Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 11:59 PM
ECU Symphonic Wind
Ensemble & ECU Jazz Ensemble-(A)
ECU Wright Auditorium
212 Wright Circle, Greenville, NC 27858
252-737-5444
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday
GMoArcade - Greenville Museum of Art
Greenville Museum of Art
802 South Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27834
252-758-1946
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pop In Pop Art: Potter’s Wheel
Emerge Gallery and Art Center
404 S. Evans St., Greenville, NC 27858
252-551-6947
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Wizard of Oz by Eastern NC Dance Foundation
ECU Wright Auditorium
212 Wright Circle, Greenville, NC 27858
2527375444
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Run, Plunge, or Splash Wildwood Park
3450 Blue Heron Drive, Greenville, NC 27858
2523299453
9:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Food and wine festival returns to ECU
East Carolina University’s 2025 Food and Wine Festival will be held on March 28th, at the Grand Ballroom of the Health and Science campus student center from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The first food and wine festival was held back in 2023, and since then the department of hospitality has worked to grow and improve the event to continue increasing their attendance.
Jacqueline De Chabert-Rios, the supervisor of the festival and professor at ECU, said the main reason the department is able to do that is because of the support from the sponsors.
Chef De Chabert said they are a crucial part of what makes this event successful. “Part of what makes this event possible is our sponsors, all of whom have strong ties to ECU as alumni, advisory board members, and friends of the program,” she said.
Chef De Chabert said the best part about this event is how the ticket proceeds go to the ECU School of Hospitality and Leadership scholarship fund. The driving factor in their continuous expansion of this event is to continue increasing the scholarship fund to help hospitality students.
These types of events are very common for hospitality programs. Chef De Chabert said a university she attended, Florida International University, started in a tent doing wine tastings and
has grown into a well-known event that brings in millions for scholarships.“I said to myself, if they can do it why can’t we,” said Chef De Chabert.
She believes they can have a similar outcome because since ECU’s first Food and Wine Festival, their attendance has grown. Last year they sold out with 100 tickets, and raised around $6,000. She said this year they are moving locations to accommodate for the growing crowd, and hope to raise $8,000.
At this event, they will have 12 different dishes available, along with multiple wine sponsors and a beer sponsor this year. Chef De Chabert said it’s a great chance for the 21-plus population to try something new and different. “Greenville offers a lot for students, but the things that we have for our adult professional population is somewhat limited,” she said.
This is a student-run event by Pirates enrolled in hospitality classes. Chef De Chabert said it’s a well- rounded opportunity for them to get real experience. “This was a way to bring the three classes together to work on a hands-on project, while at the same time raising funds for scholarships for students,” said Chef De Chabert.
Hannah Billings, a senior majoring in hospitality management, is participating in this event for a third year. She said she’s enjoyed having this opportunity to learn lessons she’ll be able to use in her future career. ”It’s taking what you’ve
learned in class and putting it to practice which is not something everyone takes advantage of,” Billings said.
Billings is on a scholarship this year that was awarded to her by the Food and Wine Festival last year. She said it’s rewarding not having the financial stress, and to know it came from her hard work in the festival makes it even better. “It’s nice to know I could be doing that for others as well,” Billings said Brooke Stephenson, a senior majoring in hospitality management, is passionate about making this event the best possible. She feels this event is a chance for the students and faculty to get the credit they deserve. “I wanted to be able to take this, and make it bigger for them so we could get some more recognition for our department,” Stephenson said.
“I feel like we’re a little overlooked sometimes, and we don’t get the credit we deserve,” said Stephenson. She said she’s had positive relationships within the hospitality department and has always experienced constant support from her professors. That’s why she said she’s determined to take this opportunity to give back to the department by showing what they’re capable of in this event.
ECU hosts nature conservationist Jeff Corwin
Jordan Adams FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Jeff Corwin, an Emmy-winning biologist and wildlife conservationist, will visit East Carolina University as part of the Voyages of Discovery series hosted by Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. Corwin will lecture at the Main Campus Student Center Ballrooms on Jan. 30, at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A session.
Corwin is most noted for hosting multiple television documentary programs, including the Disney Channel series Going Wild with Jeff Corwin and Animal Planet’s The Jeff Corwin Experience. His Thursday lecture will journey his career and offer insight into wildlife conservation efforts.
Ashley Harzog, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach for THCAS, reflected on her positive experiences working with Corwin and his team.
“He is a true professional while remaining down to earth and open to engaging with community members,” Harzog said.
Harzog hopes that Corwin’s visit will “inspire audience members to discover the role they can play in caring for our natural world,” such as engaging with local organizations and communities.
Tickets can be obtained at the Central Ticket Office and are free for faculty and students. Public members who wish to attend will be required to pay $20. Reception services will be provided after at the cost of $45.
Corwin will be the second guest speaker for the 18th season of Voyages of Discovery. Previously, LeVar Burton spoke at an event in November. Speakers for future events have yet to be announced.
Alexa Anderson FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
CHABERT-RIOS
Carolina University students Riley Sherman (left) and Julia Cornell (right)
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — An unexpected bounty could surprise. Windfall apples drop at your feet, with Uranus stationing direct today. Discover rising cash flow as traffic, long delayed, gushes.
HOROSCOPES
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — A barrier to personal advancement fades, with Uranus direct in your sign. Succeed through innovation. Take action, stand up and speak out. Shine your light.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Your intuition grows stronger, with Uranus direct. Dreams and visions guide you. Creative muses provide beautiful inspiration. Listen to the mood. Notice the unspoken.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Creative collaborations come easier now that Uranus is direct. The social arena sparks inspiration, motivation and solutions. Work together for what you love.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Changes benefit your career, with Uranus direct. Elusive puzzles reveal their solutions. Surge forward professionally over the next seven months. Harness innovation, inspiration and intuition.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Travel and educational journeys flow with greater ease now that Uranus is direct. Philosophical insights and intellectual discoveries reveal exciting breakthroughs. Creativity abounds.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — It’s easier to grow shared financial accounts, with Uranus direct. Collaborations grow more lucrative. Motivate each other to quick action for new opportunities.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Creative collaboration surges, with Uranus direct now. A project that was stalled now advances. Discover fresh inspiration. Take advantage of beneficial changes and opportunities.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Barriers with your work, health and fitness dissolve as energy gushes forth, with Uranus direct. Discover physical, mental and spiritual inspiration. Get your heart pumping.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Love blossoms. Fun and romance come intuitively, with Uranus direct. Let your creative impulses run wild and unfettered. A door, seemingly locked, now opens.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Unleash your creativity at home. Over the next seven months, make domestic upgrades by listening for what’s wanted and needed. Apply your special touch.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9— Communications gush, with Uranus direct now. A transmission blockage dissolves. The truth gets revealed. New creative opportunities develop. Discover amazing news and insights.
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Garett Skillman TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. TU Score Prediction?
ECU 70-68
Why?
The Pirates are coming off a huge three game win streak that jumped them 4 spots in the AAC standings this week. Having already narrowly beaten Temple once this season, they’ve got somewhat of a gameplan to go off of. I expect it to be a grit and grind game between the two teams, but ultimately I believe ECU Head Coach Mike Schwartz has his guy locked in and ready to go, especially with a week’s rest heading into the game.
TEC Staff
ECU VS. TU
Score Prediction?
ECU 72-69
Why?
ECU and Temple are pretty evenly matched teams who have already played once earlier this season in Minges which the Pirates squeezed out a 80-70 win. I expect a close battle between two programs, with the Pirates inching past Temple in a 69-66 win. The Pirates are on a three game win streak and will have a week’s worth of rest going into the game so I think that will heavily impact what we see on Saturday.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. TU
Score Prediction?
ECU 68-66
Why?
ECU and Temple are pretty evenly matched teams who have already played once earlier this season in Minges which the Pirates squeezed out a 80-70 win. I expect a close battle between two programs, with the Pirates inching past Temple in a 69-66 win. The Pirates are on a three game win streak and will have a week’s worth of rest going into the game so I think that will heavily impact what we see on Saturday.
Pirates victorious vs. South Florida
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
ECU got a big win Saturday vs University of South Florida (10-10, 3-4 American Athletic Conference) 64-55. The victory came as a result of disciplined defense from the opening jump holding to a total of 55 points. Balanced scoring all around, and timely execution, helped the Pirates continue their push in conference play.
From the opening tip, the Pirates set the tone on their home court at Minges Coliseum. ECU focused on limiting the Bulls’ offense, holding South Florida to a subpar shooting percentage and forcing key turnovers throughout the game. The Pirates’ defensive pressure was key early as they contested shots and limited the Bulls’ ability to penetrate the lane.
Offensively, ECU was led by a balanced all around attack. The backcourt played a significant role, with the starting guards
combining for 24 points. The Pirates utilized ball movement to create open looks, especially from beyond the arc. Graduate forward C.J. Walker led the team in scoring with 15 points and senior guard RJ Felton put up 12 points and 14 rebounds which is remarkably high for a guard.
In the paint, ECU’s forwards and centers asserted their dominance on the boards. The pirates outrebounded the bulls 47 to 25. Because they dominated the boards, the Pirates were able to afford their poor shooting night, shooting only 41% from the field.
South Florida, despite the loss, showed resilience. The Bulls were led by junior guard Kobe Knox, who scored 17 points on 7 shots. Their offense just could never really get fully going outside of him, leading East Carolina to pull away in the second half and control the game
The Pirates’ bench also made a significant impact, Jordan Riley (senior guard)
gave big minutes off the bench providing 12 points 6 rebounds and 3 combined steals and blocks giving lots of hustle and production. With the win, ECU improved its conference record to 4-4, keeping them in contention for a higher seed in the AAC tournament. The Pirates now turn their focus to their next matchup against Temple on Saturday, where they’ll aim to build on this momentum.
Overall, ECU’s ability to control the tempo, dominate the boards, and deliver in clutch moments secured a well-earned important victory. This win not only boosts their conference standing but also reinforces the team’s potential as a competitive force in the AAC and maybe be able to make a run in march if they can get hot.
ECU men’s basketball preview vs. Temple
Caleb Johnson TEC STAFF
Saturday Feb,1. East Carolina University
Men’s basketball (12-9, 4-4 in American Athletic Conference) will play conference foe Temple University (12-8, 4-3 in AAC).
The Pirates will be coming off a week long break heading into this game. They have won their last three games in a row taking them from 12th in the conference to 6th. ESPN predicts that Temple will defeat the Pirates,
70% to 30% in Temple’s favor.
Temple sits right above the Pirates at 5th place in AAC standings, with just one less loss on their record. This will be a big game for ECU as they continue to make a push for a top spot in the American. Temple will face off against the University of North Carolina Charlotte (8-12, 1-6 in AAC) on Wednesday Jan, 29. prior to their matchup with the Pirates.
In each of their last three games the Pirates have made over 10 threes, resulting in three wins in a row. Heading into Saturday’s matchup, this will be a focus for ECU because when they can consistently hit from beyond the arch they often end up adding a tally to the win column at the end of the night. According to the NCAA, Temple is also ranked 223rd nationally in three point percentage allowed at 33.9% on average.
Ironically, the Pirates will also be working to stop the three. ECU is ranked 339th in three point percentage allowed at 37.1 percent per game. While Temple is ranked 85th in offensive three point percentage, shooting it at a 35.92% clip as a team. In their last matchup against the Pirates, Temple shot over 56% from three.
When these teams last played ECU was able to dominate on the glass, out rebounding Temple by a margin of 10. The Pirates, ranked 46th nationally, are averaging 38.95 rebounds a game. Winning the battle on the glass will help ECU control the pace of the game on the road in hopes of getting their 4th conference win in a row.
Another area of focus in this game will be scoring on the fast break. Coming into this matchup the Pirates are ranked 38th nationally in fast break points per game with 14.14. This team has proven time and time again that they can push the ball on the break and score with ease. Fast break opportunities often open up for the Pirates due to their dominant rebounding and effort plays on
the defensive side, a common theme under Head Coach Mike Schwartz. It will be important for ECU to get their star seniors rolling early. The combination of senior guards RJ Felton and Jordan Riley as well as senior forward CJ Walker can collectively take the game over. The Pirates are 9-3 when this trio all individually scores over double digits.
The game will take place at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Saturday Feb,1. at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
BECCA ERZEN THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Graduate student C.J. Walker takes the jump ball against south florida.
PHOEBE GREGG THE EAST CAROLINIAN Junior guard Yann Farell sinks the free throw.
BECCA ERZEN THE EAST CAROLINIAN Senior guard Jordan Riley blows by South Florida defenders in transition.
BECCA ERZEN THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Graduate student C.J. Walker shoots tough contested jump shot.
Caleb Johnson