Lady Pirates maul cold-shooting Memphis, 76-59

The first nine minutes of the Lady Pirates' key CUSA game against visiting Memphis were very indicative of the type of evening it would be.

ECU, which improved to 17-4 overall and 6-2 in CUSA with the 17-point win, went up 13-5 on a Kelly Smith three at the 11:03 mark. This lead was built despite nine turnovers being commited during that time.

The lead grew to 12 at 26-14 when Kim Gay knocked down a three with just under six minutes to play. The Tigers cut their deficit in half with a 10-4 spurt over 3:26, but the Lady Pirates closed the half on a 7-0 run to take a 37-24 cushion into the locker room.

ECU shot a sizzling 65.2 percent (15-of-23) in the first 20 minutes, but turned the ball over 15 times.

The Lady Pirates would push the lead to 22 twice in the first seven minutes of the second half. Memphis didn't get closer than 14 the rest of the way.

How cold were the Tigers? Well, ECU took 23 less shots (52 to 75), but made seven more and won going away despite its 25 turnovers and 12-of-25 effort at the free throw line. The Lady Pirates did outrebound Memphis, 48-37.

Ashley Clarke, who had 16 points and 8 assists, was one of four ECU players to score in double figures. Kim Gay recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards.

The Pirates' victories over UAB and Memphis place them in first place by a half game.

With the win, ECU improves to 11-0 at home and has won 23 of its last 25 games at Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum.