With its offense clicking and its defense locked in, Memphis made sure it wouldn’t leave Greenville with a loss this season.

The Tigers used a pair of big runs and hounded East Carolina’s offense with stifling defensive pressure to record a 70-59 men’s basketball victory in Minges Coliseum on Wednesday. The win avenged ECU’s 68-57 home triumph over Memphis on March 2,2011, which is still the Pirates’ only victory over the Tigers in 12 meetings.

Three players reached double-figure scoring for Memphis, but its defensive showing — 13 steals, six blocked shots — and unselfishness on offense — 19 assists on 28 made field goals — was perhaps more vital than individual points scored.

For the complete article, please pick up a copy of The Daily Reflector or purchase today’s electronic edition at http://www.reflector.com/circ-store. Current home delivery and electronic edition subscribers may log in to access this article at no charge. To become a subscriber, please click here or contact Customer Service at (252) 329-9505.