East Carolina Pirates Edge Buffalo Bulls in Close Contest
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1:00 PM ET · Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum
East Carolina Pirates 73, Buffalo Bulls 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Buffalo Bulls vs East Carolina Pirates?
East Carolina Pirates beat Buffalo Bulls 73-70 at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum on December 14, 2025.
Who was favored in Buffalo Bulls vs East Carolina Pirates?
East Carolina Pirates were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum, the East Carolina Pirates secured a narrow victory over the Buffalo Bulls, finishing the game with a score of 73-70. This result is particularly noteworthy given the contrasting records of the two teams leading into the game, with East Carolina holding a home record of 4-7 and Buffalo boasting an impressive away record of 9-2.
East Carolina's recent form had been challenging, as they entered the game with a record of 3-7 over their last ten outings, including a two-game losing streak. Their scoring average over this stretch was 67.4 points per game, while they allowed an average of 76.9 points. In their last five games, the Pirates managed to score an average of 62.8 points while conceding 72.2 points. Their most recent game prior to facing Buffalo was a loss to the App State Mountaineers, where they fell 54-67.
In contrast, Buffalo had been in strong form, winning 9 of their last 10 games and entering the contest on a one-game winning streak. The Bulls averaged 78.2 points per game during this stretch, while allowing 71.2 points. Their last game resulted in a victory against the UMBC Retrievers, where they won 83-79. Buffalo's away record was particularly impressive, as they had not lost a game on the road this season, standing at 4-0.
The matchup also featured a significant betting line from DraftKings, which had East Carolina favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The odds reflected a competitive game, with East Carolina's moneyline at -122.0 and Buffalo's at 102.0, indicating that the market viewed the Pirates as slight favorites despite their recent struggles.
In terms of previous meetings, the two teams had not faced each other recently, making this game a fresh encounter. The injury report did not indicate any significant absences that would impact the game, allowing both teams to field their full rosters.
The conditions for the game were typical for December, with a home-court advantage for East Carolina, who had a record of 3-5 at home this season. Fans were treated to a closely contested game that saw multiple lead changes and a tense final few minutes.
As the game progressed, key moments included Jordan Riley's crucial free throws and a dunk that brought the Pirates within striking distance. The final moments saw East Carolina capitalize on their opportunities, with Riley contributing significantly to the scoreline through free throws that ultimately sealed the victory.
Overall, this game highlighted the resilience of East Carolina as they managed to overcome Buffalo's strong season start, showcasing the unpredictability of college basketball.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ECU -1.5 | 146.5 o -112 / u -108 | Buffalo Bulls +102 · East Carolina Pirates -122 |
Leaders
- PointsJordan Riley31East Carolina Pirates
- AssistsCorey Caulker4East Carolina Pirates
- ReboundsLuke Davis11East Carolina Pirates
- PointsDaniel Freitag31Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsDerrick Talton Jr.4Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsMikhail Pocknett13Buffalo Bulls
Recent form
East Carolina Pirates
Last 10: 3-7Streak L267.4 scored · 76.9 allowed per game3-5 at home
- L54-67vs App State MountaineersDec 12
- L78-82vs UNC Greensboro SpartansDec 6
- W68-56vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksDec 3
- L58-67vs St. Bonaventure BonniesNov 27
- L56-89vs Michigan State SpartansNov 25
- L65-77vs Charleston Southern BuccaneersNov 22
- L60-85at UNC Wilmington SeahawksNov 19
- W71-70vs Elizabeth City State VikingsNov 14
- L72-87at Richmond SpidersNov 8
- W92-89vs Georgia Southern EaglesNov 5
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 9-1Streak W178.2 scored · 71.2 allowed per game4-0 away
- W83-79at UMBC RetrieversDec 9
- L69-77vs St. Bonaventure BonniesDec 6
- W71-53at Canisius Golden GriffinsNov 29
- W73-71at Bucknell BisonNov 26
- W78-70vs VMI KeydetsNov 24
- W94-90vs Vermont CatamountsNov 18
- W80-64vs RIT TigersNov 15
- W66-53at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 12
- W83-76vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 7
- W85-79vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesNov 3
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
| South Florida | 25-9 | - | 15-3 |
| Tulsa | 30-8 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Wichita State | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| UAB | 20-12 | 4 | 11-7 |
| North Texas | 19-14 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Charlotte | 17-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Tulane | 18-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Temple | 16-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Memphis | 13-19 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rice | 13-18 | 8 | 7-11 |
| East Carolina | 11-20 | 9 | 6-12 |
| UTSA | 5-25 | 14 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Buffalo Bulls | East Carolina Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-59 | 23-63 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 8-26 | 4-20 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 20 |
| Free throws | 16-21 | 23-30 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 25 |
| Assists | 8 | 9 |
| Steals | 5 | 12 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 32 |
| Fouls | 22 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 76 | 21 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-30Tim Oboh made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-31Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-33Jordan Riley made Layup.
- 2nd Half50-34Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-34Mikhail Pocknett made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-34Mikhail Pocknett made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-35Tybo Bailey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-36Tybo Bailey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-39Isaiah Mbeng made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Corey Caulker.
- 2nd Half53-39Ezra McKenna made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-39Ezra McKenna made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-41Isaiah Mbeng made Layup. Assisted by Tybo Bailey.
- 2nd Half56-41Ryan Sabol made Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-43Giovanni Emejuru made Dunk. Assisted by Isaiah Mbeng.
- 2nd Half56-45Luke Davis made Layup.
- 2nd Half56-47Jordan Riley made Jumper.
- 2nd Half59-47Ryan Sabol made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Derrick Talton Jr..
- 2nd Half59-49Luke Davis made Layup. Assisted by Paddy D'Arcy.
- 2nd Half61-49Ryan Sabol made Layup. Assisted by Derrick Talton Jr..
- 2nd Half61-52Tybo Bailey made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jordan Riley.
- 2nd Half63-52Tim Oboh made Layup. Assisted by Mikhail Pocknett.
- 2nd Half63-54Jordan Riley made Layup.
- 2nd Half63-55Tybo Bailey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-55Daniel Freitag made Layup.
- 2nd Half67-55Ryan Sabol made Jumper.
- 2nd Half67-56Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-57Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-57Mikhail Pocknett made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-59Jordan Riley made Jumper.
- 2nd Half68-60Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-61Corey Caulker made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-62Corey Caulker made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-63Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-64Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-66Jordan Riley made Dunk. Assisted by Luke Davis.
- 2nd Half70-66Ryan Sabol made Layup.
- 2nd Half70-69Tybo Bailey made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Corey Caulker.
- 2nd Half70-71Giovanni Emejuru made Layup.
- 2nd Half70-72Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half70-73Jordan Riley made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours East Carolina Pirates, below favours Buffalo Bulls.
Venue
- Williams Arena at Minges ColiseumGreenville, NC
- Attendance2579
- OfficialsChuck Jones, Rob Rorke, Josue Nieves
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond