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Calendar Of Events
Love is in the air: ECU students plan for Valentine's day
This Valentine’s day at East Carolina University students are expressing their love for significant others in a multitude of ways, from exchanging traditional cards and flowers to planning as the holiday approaches
Dominique, “It’s going to have his favorite picture of me and him drawn by me on a canvas,” she said
Couples are spending quality time together, setting aside busy schedules and spending time doing a shared activity.
“Me and my man are going to make wooden flowers.” said Zoe Varnell, a communications major.
many are finding personal and creative ways to celebrate relationships while balancing classes, work and relationships.
“I’m planning on making a surprise gift for my partner,” said Jery Nathaniel, a sophomore majoring in acting and communications, "I'm going to cook dinner and go out together.”
Some students are hand making gifts for their partners as a way to surprise them. Making personalized items as a way to express their affection. Dominique Clark, a senior majoring in social work and psychology. Chose to make a personalized gift as a way to express her affection.
“I plan on making him an exploding gift box, ” said
Planning activities and dinner dates, as a surprise, Many said spending quality time together is just as important as physical gifts.
“I want to take her to this candlelight symphony that’s here in Greenville,” Jayson Broy, a senior university studies major said. “I also plan on taking her out to eat.”
As students prepare for Valentine’s Day, many say the holiday is a reminder to slow down and appreciate their relationships despite academic and personal responsibilities. Whether through gift giving or special outings, students are finding meaningful ways to celebrate love on campus.
Pirates to host Xavier in seasons first series
After a seven month break, Baseball America’s 24 ranked team East Carolina is back in action. The Pirates (0-0, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) will host their first series of the year against Xavier University (0-0,0-0 Big East).
East Carolina finished last season with a 35-27 overall record and a 13-14 AAC record. Its season ended at the Conway Regional against Coastal Carolina University.
This ECU team has some very high expectations. Head Coach Cliff Godwin said “we have better humans in our locker room this year than we did last year…we’re talented and they’re about the right stuff… when you have a cohesive unit that can buy in and have culture you can do some special things”.
East Carolina alumni and Hoist the Colours founder Stephen Igoe said “this is the year ECU gets it done and they're going to Omaha”.
One thing that has been consistently discussed is the depth of this East Carolina team. Pitching Coach Austin Knight said “there are really eight guys (pitchers) competing for four or five starting roles depending on the week”.
» Pirates to host Xavier in seasons
Check out
is expected to be the Friday night starter for the second year in a row.
This team not only has depth in the bullpen but also all across the field. The Pirates have returned their core of sophomore infielder/outfielder Braden Burress, sophomore infielder Astin Irby, senior infielder/RHP Colby Wallace, and senior outfielder Jack Herring.
During the offseason, ECU retooled bringing in 20 total new players from high school and the transfer portal. Coach Godwin said “we’re built this year to handle some injuries”.
East Carolina will get its first test against a consistently solid Xavier squad. The Musketeers finished last season with a 32-27 record and a 14-7 record in the Big East Conference. For the last three seasons, Head Coach Billy O’Conner has led his team to 30+ win seasons. The series will be three games, all played at Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville. They will be played Friday Feb, 13. at 4 p.m., Saturday Feb, 14. at 2 p.m., and Sunday Feb, 15. at 12:30 p.m. All games will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and will be available to listen to on 94.3 FM The Game.
One of those eight guys is junior left handed pitcher Ethan Norby. Norby is seen as one of the best pitchers in the nation. He was named the AAC Preseason Pitcher of the year, Preseason Second Team All-
American by Baseball America and Perfect Game, Preseason First Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and D1Baseball, and the Golden Spikes Preseason watchlist. Norby
KIBRYELLA HAWKINS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
at the local Greenville Walmart stocked full with valentine's day themed plushies picturing mostly teddy bears
Kibryella Hawkins THE EAST CAROLINIAN
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
Feb, 04. A suspect is being investigated in Greenville for possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule II drugs. The incident was reported last Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
Feb, 04. There is an ongoing investigation into the injury of personal property at ECU’s Clement Hall. The incident was reported around 12:55 p.m. last Wednesday.
Feb, 09.
Someone was caught in ECU’s Clement Residence Hall in possession of less than a half ounce of marijuanna. The offender was cleared by citation around 9:33 p.m. Monday night.
Feb, 09.
A Winterville man was arrested following a break in at a vape shop in Pitt County last week. 36 year old Daniel Widley was charged with breaking and entering, larceny, and possession of burglary tools. Widley is being held at Pitt County Jail on a $90,000 secured bond.
Students want more truth
Dulce Perez TEC STAFF
The release of the Epstein files has caused frustration among East Carolina University students. Students have begun raising concerns about why the documents took so long to be released and whether powerful figures are being protected behind closed doors.
Students have begun expressing their concern with the delay in releasing the files and the lack of transparency, especially given the seriousness of the allegations involving influential figures.
The names of a number of well-known people are included in the files. The documents include prominent people like former President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump, according to the Associated Press. Additionally, Elon Musk, Steve Tisch, Howard Lutnick, Kathy Ruemmler, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were also mentioned.
Kianna Dixon, a graduate student and member of the ECU chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, said the
What has happened to women, children, and what has been done to them by many people that we consider as a society to be powerful and influential, is awful. -Thomas Remington „
slow, selective release raised questions about the administration's motives.
“I was surprised that anything at all was released,” Dixon said. “There is a lot of information that has been released, but there’s also a lot of information that has not been released… It seems like they’re picking and choosing what to release.”
Dixon went on to say that it was challenging to fully grasp the seriousness of the accusations due to the information's phased release.
“They released it in such a way, like a
fractional way,” Dixon said. “If only you had another piece of the puzzle, you could put more together.”
Dixon added that the timing and manner of the release seemed strategic, leading to confusion rather than clarity.
“It seems to be strategically… misreleased,” Dixon said. “It seems like they thrive on chaos.”
Other students expressed concerns regarding openness and responsibility.
Thomas Remington, President of ECU College Democrats, said the administration’s approach led him to question the motives behind withholding information.
“The administration is taking as long as they are to release them, which makes me think maybe there is some foul play happening behind the scenes,” Remington said.
He described the contents of the files as disturbing, referring to allegations of sexual abuse involving women and children.
“What is going on in these files is disgusting,” Remington said. “What has happened to women, children, and what has been done to them by many people that we consider as a society to be powerful and influential, is awful,” he continued.
Remington said he felt angry when the files were released and emphasized that the victims deserved justice.
“They didn’t deserve what happened to them,” Remington said. “They deserve justice.”
Remington added that anyone found to be responsible for the alleged abuse should face legal consequences, regardless of their status or position.
“Anybody who’s in these files who is a perpetrator of sexual assault, rape of a woman,
of children, and of anybody else should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Remington said.
The student also expressed doubt about whether accountability would occur. He said it would become more difficult to hold individuals responsible when a political power is involved.
“I think it's very difficult for them to be held accountable because, at the end of the day, the Chief Executive of our nation, the President of the United States, is in these files,” Remington said. “I doubt that anything will be done during this administration, but I hope they’re held accountable,” he continued.
Despite his political stance, the student stressed that the issue should not be viewed as partisan and said justice should apply equally, regardless of political affiliation.
“This is not a partisan issue,” Remington said. “If it affects my party, that is okay,” he continued.
Drawing a connection closer to ECU, the student compared the Epstein files to the issue of sexual assault on campus.
“We have an issue of sexual assault on our campus,” Remington said. “It is never the victim’s fault, and it is never okay to victimblame. I hold that belief with what happens on our campus, but I also hold that belief with what’s happened in these Epstein files,” he continued.
Requests for comment were sent to College Republicans and Turning Point USA at East Carolina University. Representatives from both organizations did not respond.
ECU prepares for primary elections
may also need to provide proof of their local address if they live off-campus,” Dennis said.
Feb, 09.
Two arrests have been made following a five year old who was brought to the hospital with a gunshot wound this weekend. 22 year old Christine Godley (the child’s mother) and her boyfriend 23 year old Jaquan Taylor are being held at Pitt County Jail without bond on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, and intentional child abuse.
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
East Carolina University students prepare to make their voices heard at the polls. Onestop early voting and same-day registration are currently underway, with Primary Election Day set for Mar. 3.
Alex Dennis, ECU Senior Assistant Director for the Center for Leadership and Student Engagement, said there are ways that students can prepare to vote.
“Students can utilize our Election 2026 website and the resources there to check their voter registration status to pull a sample ballot so that they can research the candidates prior to voting,” Dennis said.
A voter ID is required to proceed with the voting process, for which the ECU 1Card has been approved for usage. Dennis also said that students can use their state- issued ID or a US Passport. According to youcanvote.org, North Carolina citizens are not required to provide a Real ID to vote, but can provide the correct forms of ID necessary.
“Students that would like to take advantage of same-day registration during early voting
For students who reside on campus, Dennis said they should notify poll workers of their location.
To effectively follow the voting protocol, Dennis advises students to avoid electioneering, which includes providing anything in exchange for voting, carrying, or wearing signs in support of a candidate. Students are also not allowed to be given extra credit for student voting, nor can student organizations require their members to vote and provide incentives for participation.
“While we encourage the campus community to be civically engaged and to vote in elections, that decision is ultimately up to each individual student and campus community member,” Dennis said.
Some students, however, have mixed opinions regarding their decision to vote.
“I just don’t care to get involved in voting,” Sara Thompson, a junior nursing major, said.
"I am not interested because I don’t know enough about the benefits,” Nishant Bommuluri, a freshman biology major, said.
For more information about the 2026 election, students can go to clce.ecu.edu/
students/pirates-vote/elections/ for student voter resources. Early voting will be located in the Main Campus Student Center in Room 125 from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. weekdays, and Feb. 14 and Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
Students to learn leadership at 10th B.A.L.L. event
Make sure to save the date for East Carolina University's 10th annual B.A.L.L. Event on Tuesday, March 3, in Ballroom A at the ECU Main Campus Student Center from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Hosted by the ECU Staff Senate Leadership & Professional Development Committee, the event covers everyday leadership in legacy and connection. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend.
‘Ballard’s Annual Lessons in Leadership’ received its name from Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Steven Ballard, who served as ECU’s 7th chancellor from 2004 – 2016. Together, he and current Chancellor Dr. Philip Rogers will
reflect on the skills they learned after working closely together at ECU.
Academic Coordinator Lindsey Arnold said attendees are looking forward to hearing the two men speak about their experiences.
“People are excited about hearing Chancellor Rogers talk about working under Chancellor Ballard and learning how to be a leader,” Arnold said.
Parking validation stickers for the MCSC garage will be given to the first 150 students. If you are unable to attend the event in person, a live stream will be available at your convenience. For any questions or concerns, email ada-corrdinator@ecu.edu.
Many people from both sides of the political spectrum demand transparency from the file's release.
Sheilia Suggs TEC STAFF
Mallory Sheldon TEC STAFF
OUR VIEW
We miss the snow
We at the editorial staff of the East Carolinian miss the snow. The snow is melting. You can see different patches of snow still on the ground. It’s a weird thing. The snow brings a certain feeling of solemness but this time it was different. This time we were almost begging for it. The snow gave everyone an amazing five day blissful weekend. Students sled and reverted back to their childlike senses of wonder. It was a great time for students and professor’s alike.
Professors enjoyed time with their families and got a much needed break from school related stressors. All in all, we hope everyone had a productive and fun
Maxwell seeking Pardon
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
The Epstein files have been a major topic of discussion. From inconsistent redactions to allegations of even more disturbing behavior from some of the most powerful people on the planet than the American public knew about before. Spinning out of this flurry of information is a situation involving Ghislaine Maxwell, ex girlfriend and coconspirator of Jeffrey Epstein.
According to a story by the Associated Press, Maxwell declined to answer questions that were asked of her by House lawmakers on Monday. After refusing to answer questions on a video released she made it clear that if her sentence was ended by President Trump, she would speak fully and honestly about the actions of Jeffery Epstein. This comes from a statement delivered by her attorney added in a closed door deposition that Trump and Bill Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing.
This major move has been predicted by some political commentators since Maxwell’s move to a minimum security prison in the summer of 2025. In my opinion, this blatantly sets off red flags in my mind and a lot of the responses from both sides of the aisle agree.
Super Bowl rocked
Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was incredible and showed that love is more powerful than hate. Ever since Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer for the Super Bowl, people on the far right have tried to boycott the performance with their own halftime show.
Many people on the far right said that Bad Bunny should not be the halftime performer because “he wasn’t an American” and because all of his music is in Spanish. These takes make no sense because Bad Bunny is an American citizen by virtue of being from Puerto Rico, a
of Epstein.
Maxwell is using her silence for leverage to get out of her prison sentence. This also seems to fall in a very convenient time as lawmakers have called out the redaction of non victims names with the new batch of three million emails and other documents.
In response, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche claimed on an X post that the Department of Justice had unredacted all non-victims names and that the DOJ is committed to transparency. This is a huge developing story that has grasped the world’s attention. People are angry and for good reason.
The most influential people on the planet abusing and committing heinous crimes to little to no apparent consequence facing them. This had been going on for years with no end in sight and with survivors feeling unheard and ignored, the people are demanding prosecution of all coconspirators regardless of political party, wealth, or power.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
U.S. territory. The other take is beyond stupid, mostly because one of the biggest artists in the 90s was Selena and is still beloved today.
Bad Bunny’s performance is important mainly because of the climate in which it is happening today. When Bad Bunny accepted his Grammy award earlier this month, he said “ICE Out” in reference to all of the horrible things ICE has done in the country. Bad Bunny has been very vocal about the current administration. He has even stopped performing in the U.S. out of fear that his concerts would be used for ICE raids of undocumented immigrants.
In response to Bad Bunny’s performance, Turning Point USA hosted their very own
halftime performance with washed-up country rap “artist” Kid Rock performing. Many prominent conservative voices promoted the event, calling it an event for “real Americans.” However, the event only garnered 6.1 million views, compared to the 100 million Bad Bunny’s performance could potentially get. Bad Bunny’s performance had everything: great music, great dancing, and a great message of unity for the country. In contrast, Kid Rock’s performance was lip-synched, pre-taped, and just a mess. I am proud to support Bad Bunny and his great music.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Is Voter fraud an issue
Cal Thomas TRIBUNE
When President Trump claims there has been “voter fraud” in previous elections, what usually comes to my mind is non-U.S. citizens casting ballots. That is against the law. There have been a few such instances, but no credible proof they were enough to change the outcome of an election.
There is another kind of voter fraud which has escaped the attention – whether accidentally or deliberately – of the media. Peter Schweizer writes about it in his new book “The Invisible Coup: How American Elites and Foreign Powers use Immigration as a Weapon.”
In a chapter titled “Voter Mills,” Schweizer notes that 1.2 million new citizens were sworn in during the 1996 election year, “three times the number processed by the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) the previous year.” Schweizer makes a strong and well-documented case that the Clinton administration (and later the Biden administration) violated immigration law by rushing through people from other countries to become citizens and then rapidly registering them to vote, mostly for Democrats.
Citing a Justice Department Inspector General Investigation of Citizenship USA discovered by The Daily Caller, Schweizer writes that Rahm Emanuel, then an assistant to the president for political affairs “took midnight trips to INS headquarters to meet with (then-Commissioner Daniel Meissner) to speed-up the process of granting citizenship to foreigners.”
The way to reverse this type of voter fraud and prevent it from happening in the future is to revoke the naturalized citizenship of those who circumvented the requirements for becoming U.S. citizens.
What does the law require of people who wish to become citizens of the United States and gain the right to vote? The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services describes it: “To qualify for U.S. naturalized
citizenship, applicants must generally be at least 18, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years (or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate good moral character, and possess basic English proficiency along with knowledge of U.S. history and government.”
If an immigrant violates the law, what are supposed to be the consequences?“ A person is subject to revocation of naturalization if he or she procured naturalization illegally.”
Schweizer writes “…with pressure from the (Clinton) White House, the INS did not properly enforce the English language requirement of naturalization.” Many INS workers, he says, reported that they “regularly encountered applicants who presented passing certificates but who could not speak even simple English. They became U.S. citizens anyway.” And instant voters.
President Trump, the Justice Department and the INS should launch an investigation into those who violated the requirements for becoming American citizens. If proven they violated the law, they should be stripped of their citizenship, along with their right to vote, driver’s licenses and passports and deported to the countries from which they came. Otherwise, the law is made a mockery and those who followed the law to become citizens will rightfully be angry about a system that treats law-abiders and law breakers the same.
Bad Bunny performing at his much anticipated halftime show. A show that used
Dakota Hamm TEC STAFF
CONTRIBUTED BY ROB KIM Ghislaine Maxwell. A cohort
COURTESY OF DREAMSTIME Voters at the polls. Is fraud a real issue right now?
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS TODAY
Wine and Chocolate Pairing with Jenni’s Ugly Chocolate Firefly Wine Shop, 3110 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Phone 2527564994
TOMORROW
A.R. Gurney’s Love
Letters Dessert Theatre
Magnolia Arts Center, 1703 E 14th St, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Phone 8886223868
African American Music Series Featuring Roberta Flack Tribute Farmville Community Arts Council, 3723 N. Main Street, Farmville, NC 27828
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Phone 2527533832
Galentine’s Day Yoga - Celebrate Female Friendship Yoga Strong 425 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Phone 2522539334
High June w/ TBA
The State Theatre, 110 West 5th St , Greenville, NC 27858
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
SATURDAY
My Little Love Valentines Cake Class
Sprouts Playground & Studio, 3593 Galleria Dr, Greenville, NC 27834
1:45 PM to 3:00 PM, Phone2529171010
Paddock Club Pop UpValentine’s Day Style!
Black Rose Bottling Co., 901 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27834
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Phone2527516255
Cupid’s Crawl
Drew Steele Center, 1058 South Elm St., Greenville, NC 27858
8:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Phone 2523294650
SUNDAY
Winterville Black Trailblazers and Pioneers
Winterville Charter School, 4160 Bayswater Road, Winterville, NC 28590
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Phone 2523212660
ECU produces Twelfth Night show
The School of Theater and Dance is hosting a musical adaptation of Shakepeare’s play “Twelfth Night”, and it will be held for five nights starting on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGinnis Auditorium.
“Twelfth Night” is a romantic comedy by Shakespeare written around 1601. It follows twins Viola and Sebastian who are separated on the island of Illyria after a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as a man and gets caught in a love triangle with Duke Orsino and Countess Olivia.
The Shaina Taub adaptation will take a twist on the play by incorporating elements of New
Orleans’ culture. The score is inspired by jazz and contemporary pop sounds.
“Our interpretation of Illyria is intentionally suggestive of certain cultural elements often associated with New Orleans, particularly the spirit of celebration and parade culture,” said Trent Blanton, an associate professor of theater.
“Our goal was to create a world that feels ethereal and magical and celebratory rather than a literal geographic translation.”
The musical will star Brianna McDaniel as Viola, Parker Mott as Orsino, and Kylee Gauthier as Olivia, and Justice Thomas will play Sebastian. Performers began a month of fast-paced and intense production on Jan. 13, interrupted only by the winter storm in early
February.
“The students have worked diligently to integrate Shakespeare’s play with contemporary music genres,” Blanton said. “Watching them gain confidence and skill throughout the process has been incredibly exciting.”
Tickets can be purchased on the ECUArts website. They are $10 for students and $15 for faculty and staff. Tickets are also available for the general public for $20.
The next series hosted by the School of Theater and Dance will be “Once Upon a Dance” in late March. More information can be found on the School’s official website.
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
New Raleigh restaurant to open
$17-$22, and salads are $12-$26.
A new restaurant and taproom is opening soon near Raleigh’s Crabtree mall.
Crooked Hammock Brewery has several locations along the East Coast, but this will be its first in North Carolina. The nearest location is in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The Raleigh location will be different because its tank room, where beer tanks are stored and brewing happens, will be the centerpiece.
It’s expected to open this spring at 4501 Edwards Mill Road, across from Wong’s Tacos, the restaurant shared on social media.
Crooked Hammock was founded in 2015 “to capture that perfect backyard feeling.”
Each location has a lively outdoor area, with activities including bocce courts and horseshoe pits, in addition to lounging areas and hammocks.
Raleigh’s Crooked Hammock will feature an outdoor patio with a stone fireplace, a playground, ping pong tables, corn hole, ring toss and a fire pit. Crooked Hammock menu
The menu for North Carolina’s location has not yet been posted online, and Crooked Hammock did not respond to The News & Observer’s requests for more information. However, the menus for the existing Crooked Hammock locations offer bar food and cookout staples — nachos, wings, sliders, ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, fish tacos, sandwiches and salads.
Online, entree prices range between $20 and $33, most burgers and sandwiches are
On tap, the brewery offers a mix of light and refreshing options, hop-forward IPAs and dark beers. A 16-ounce beer starts around $7.
Crooked Hammock is now hiring for positions at the Raleigh restaurant, its website says.
Crooked Hammock is a La Vida Hospitality concept, a group that also operates the restaurants Big Chill and Taco Reho, which have locations in Delaware and South Carolina.
© 2026 The Herald-Sun (Durham, N.C.). Visit www.heraldsun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
Jordan Adams THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF ECU SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE
Wide shot of the stage set up finished by the school of theatre and dance located on stage in the McGinnis Auditorium ready for the musical’s first showing
Renee Umstead THE HERALD SUN
Picture
by Ricky Cruz
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. team
Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
Overall I think this Pirates roster is flat out amazing. I expect big things this season but I do expect there to be a bit of a learning curve. Xavier is a really good team who has won 30+ games in its last three seasons and the Pirates just added 20 new players to their roster over the offseason. I expect ECU to take care of business and complete the series win. I do not expect a series sweep, but It is possible, I would love to see Coach Godwin and the guys get rolling early.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. team Score Prediction?
ECU 3-0
Why?
This pirate team has so much hype around it and there’s no reason not to capitalize this weekend, Xavier is a very solid team who is going to put a scare into everybody they play but the Pirates are going to come ready in Clark-Leclair. You will see 3 different starting DHs this weekend who are going to come out swinging in a big Pirates win.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. team
Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
Man this Pirates team has so much hype around it, there’s more starting pitching depth than I’ve seen in my entire time here at ECU. That being said, opening weekend against a good opponent, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pirates drop a game. I can’t wait for Pirates baseball and what I’m hoping will be a historic season!
ECU to take on Rice
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
East Carolina men’s basketball (7-16, 2-9 American Athletic Conference) gets set to take on Rice University (10-14, 4-7 AAC) in a matchup that feels important for both teams as the season moves further into conference play.
ECU comes into this game still searching for consistency, especially on the offensive end, but there have been flashes that show this group can compete when things start clicking. The Pirates have had stretches this season where the ball movement looks good, shots are falling, and the energy on defense is there, but maintaining that level for a full 40 minutes has been the biggest challenge.
ECU’s success on the offensive end usually starts with our leading scorers being aggressive early. When the Pirates are attacking the basket, getting to the free throw line, and not settling for rushed shots, the offense looks much more comfortable. Guard play will be especially important in this matchup because Rice likes to pressure the ball and force teams into tough decisions.
ECU will need to value possessions, limit turnovers, and make sure they are
getting quality looks rather than quick shots that lead to fastbreaks the other way. Establishing some inside presence could also help open things up, whether that comes from post touches or guards driving and kicking to shooters on the perimeter.
ECU has to be locked in defensively from the opening tip. Rice is a team that can hurt you if you give them space, especially from beyond the arc. Closeouts, communication, and help defense will be key because once Rice gets into a rhythm, they are comfortable moving the ball and finding the open man.
ECU has shown at times that it can defend at a high level, forcing contested shots and tough possessions, but the challenge will be doing that consistently without fouling. Defensive rebounding is another area that cannot be overlooked, giving Rice second chances would make it very hard for ECU to control the pace and momentum of the game.
Rice enters the matchup knowing they have had recent success against ECU but they are also a team that has been up and down this season. They rely on balanced scoring and solid guard play, and they are at their best when multiple players
are contributing rather than one person carrying the load.
If Rice is hitting shots early, ECU will need to respond with composure and not let the game speed up too much. Staying within their offensive sets and trusting ball movement will be important if Rice makes a run.
Overall, this game feels like an opportunity for ECU to prove progress. It is about playing with energy, staying disciplined, and competing on every possession.
For a young team still finding its identity, games like this matter not just in the standings but for confidence moving forward. If ECU can bring effort on defense, take care of the basketball, and get contributions from multiple players, they give themselves a real chance to come out on top against a Rice team that is solid but beatable.
The game will be played at Rice in Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas on Saturday Feb, 14. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+ will broadcast the matchup.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
Lady Pirates to travel to face Temple Owls
The East Carolina University women’s basketball team (17-7, 9-2 American Athletic Conference) has been on cruise control in conference play through eleven games, apart from a few hiccups. They travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to take on the Temple Owls (10-12, 4-6 AAC) On Saturday.
The Lady Pirates are coming off a Tuesday night matchup against Tulane University (8-14, 3-7 AAC). Prior to that, ECU has bounced back well after their surprising loss to WIchita St. (5-19, 2-9 AAC) who are currently sitting last in the conference.
They were able to beat UNC Charlotte (11-13, 5-6 AAC) and pick up a great win against the University of South Florida (14-10, 7-4 AAC).
Senior guard Kennedy Fauntleroy has continued to charge the offense scoring 21 against Charlotte and 15 against South Florida. Junior
guard Jayla Hearp also contributed nicely in both games, leading the Pirates in scoring against South
The Owls are coming off a three point loss to the University of North Texas (13-10, 7-4 AAC). Temple shot much better from the field than the Mean Green but turned the ball over twenty times, which has been their
The Owls have four different players averaging over ten points a game, with the leader being junior guard Kaylah Turner at 17 a game. She has been their engine on offense all season and will look to do the same against the Lady Pirates.
ECU is leading the American conference in points per game with 72, but Temple is not far behind with 69. The difference is on
ECU came out victorious in the team’s first matchup this season 81-65
Buonocore
the defensive end as the Owls are currently last in the conference for points given up per game.
ECU came out victorious in the team’s first matchup this season 81-65. ESPN’s matchup predictor currently gives Temple a 60% chance to beat the Lady Pirates. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ for those who want to support ECU. Tipoff is at 2:00 on Saturday Feb, 14.
center Giovanni Emejuru
Tyler Buonocore TEC STAFF