EAST CAROLINA PULLS AWAY IN SECOND HALF TO DEFEAT HOFSTRA

Greenville, NC - Tamilia Murray had 16 points to lead four players in double figures as East Carolina pulled away in the second half for a 71-50 win over Hofstra in the championship game of the East Carolina/U.S. Cellular Classic.

Hofstra (3-3) took a 30-28 lead into halftime on a jumper from freshman Jessica Olszewski with 2.1 seconds showing on the clock. The shot ended a first half which featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes, while neither team held more than a four-point lead.

The second half was a different story, however, as East Carolina (3-2) opened with a 17-4 run, keyed by seven points from guard Christal Avery, to take a 45-34 lead. After freshman guard Stacey Claxton hit an 18-footer to pull Hofstra back within 47-38, East Carolina rattled off a second big run, 16-4, to put the game away.

The Pride shot 44.8 percent from the floor in the first half (13-29), but connected on just six of 24 shots from the floor (25 percent) after intermission.

Avery finished with 13 points for the Pirates, while Tali Robich had 11 points and Angela Sye chipped in with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Hofstra was led by Olszewski and fellow freshman Joy Pela, who each had 10 points. Pela added 11 rebounds for her first career double-double.