In a contentious, foul-filled game that featured 55 fouls, four technicals and 72 free throws, East Carolina wore out a path to the line on Wednesday night and rallied to beat UNC Wilmington 78-73 in a nonconference game at Minges Coliseum in Greenville, N.C.

Guard B.J. Tyson scored a game-high 21 points for the Pirates (7-4) and forward Caleb White added 20, making 10 of 12 free throws. Off the bench, freshman forward Kentrell Barkley contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Forward Michael Zangari chipped in 11 points.

Reserve guard Chris Flemmings, a transfer from Division II Barton (N.C.), paced the Seahawks (5-2) with 16 points. Guard Craig Ponder scored 14 but made only 5 of 17 shots from the field. Guard Jordon Talley contributed 13 points and eight rebounds.

UNC Wilmington was up 39-34 at halftime after establishing an 11-point lead late in the half. But the Pirates reeled the Seahawks in during the first 10 minutes of the second half, finally taking the lead for good on Barkley's layup with 10:20 remaining that started a 7-0 run.

The Pirates were outscored by 16 points from the field but made up for it by sinking 35 of 51 free throws. UNC Wilmington was 14 of 21 at the foul line.