Close Finish as East Carolina Edges UTSA 82-81
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · UTSA Convocation Center
East Carolina Pirates 82, UTSA Roadrunners 81, 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 East Carolina Pirates vs UTSA Roadrunners?
East Carolina Pirates beat UTSA Roadrunners 82-81 at UTSA Convocation Center on February 25, 2026.
Who was favored in East Carolina Pirates vs UTSA Roadrunners?
East Carolina Pirates were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the UTSA Convocation Center, the East Carolina Pirates narrowly defeated the UTSA Roadrunners with a final score of 82-81. This game was significant as it marked the latest chapter in a challenging season for both teams, with East Carolina improving their record to 11-18 while UTSA fell to 5-24.
The Roadrunners have struggled throughout the season, culminating in a disappointing record of 1-9 over their last ten games, with their only victory coming against the Charlotte 49ers on February 15. In their last two outings, they faced substantial defeats, losing to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 100-74 and the Florida Atlantic Owls 60-52. Their scoring average over the last ten games stands at 70.0 points, while they have allowed an average of 84.6 points, indicating significant defensive vulnerabilities. At home, UTSA has not fared well, recording a 0-4 mark in their last four home games.
On the other hand, the Pirates have shown a slightly better form, boasting a 4-6 record in their last ten games. However, they also enter this game on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the Charlotte 49ers and the Wichita State Shockers. East Carolina's scoring average in their last ten games is 73.7 points, with an average of 75.5 points allowed. Their away record has been relatively stronger than their home performance, with a 3-2 record in their last five away games.
The two teams had previously met earlier in the season on February 12, where East Carolina also came out on top with a score of 88-72. Historically, UTSA has struggled against East Carolina, having lost all four of their last meetings, including close contests in previous seasons.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this tightly contested matchup.
The betting lines from DraftKings had East Carolina as the favorite, with a spread of 4.5 points and a total set at 153.5. The odds for East Carolina to win outright were -198, while UTSA's moneyline was set at 164. This reflected a market belief in East Carolina's ability to secure the win, although the final score showed just how close the game was.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with a lively atmosphere as both teams fought for crucial conference positioning. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
As the game progressed, it became apparent that the outcome would be decided in the final moments. The scoring plays highlighted the tension in the closing minutes, with key free throws from Jamir Simpson and Demitri Gardner proving decisive. Ultimately, Gardner's three free throws in the final moments allowed East Carolina to edge ahead and secure the victory.
Viewers were treated to a back-and-forth contest, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance as well as defensive lapses. The game served as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball, where every possession can be crucial and the outcome can hinge on a single play.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ECU -4.5 | 153.5 o -110 / u -110 | East Carolina Pirates -198 · UTSA Roadrunners +164 |
Leaders
- PointsJamir Simpson22UTSA Roadrunners
- AssistsJamir Simpson10UTSA Roadrunners
- ReboundsDaniel Akitoby9UTSA Roadrunners
- PointsJordan Riley27East Carolina Pirates
- AssistsCorey Caulker6East Carolina Pirates
- ReboundsGiovanni Emejuru6East Carolina Pirates
Recent form
UTSA Roadrunners
Last 10: 1-9Streak L270 scored · 84.6 allowed per game0-4 at home
- L74-100at Tulsa Golden HurricaneFeb 22
- L52-60vs Florida Atlantic OwlsFeb 19
- W88-79at Charlotte 49ersFeb 15
- L72-88at East Carolina PiratesFeb 12
- L58-81vs North Texas Mean GreenFeb 7
- L88-109at South Florida BullsFeb 5
- L73-83vs UAB BlazersJan 29
- L64-70vs Temple OwlsJan 24
- L62-81at North Texas Mean GreenJan 22
- L69-95at Memphis TigersJan 18
East Carolina Pirates
Last 10: 4-6Streak L273.7 scored · 75.5 allowed per game3-2 away
- L56-68at Charlotte 49ersFeb 21
- L89-92vs Wichita State ShockersFeb 19
- W85-75at Rice OwlsFeb 14
- W88-72vs UTSA RoadrunnersFeb 12
- L73-81vs Temple OwlsFeb 7
- W76-75at Florida Atlantic OwlsFeb 1
- L77-83vs Rice OwlsJan 29
- W63-59at North Texas Mean GreenJan 23
- L60-77at Wichita State ShockersJan 22
- L70-73vs Charlotte 49ersJan 18
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | East Carolina Pirates | UTSA Roadrunners |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-56 | 31-54 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 57 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 10-22 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 45 |
| Free throws | 19-26 | 9-10 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 90 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 17 |
| Assists | 12 | 19 |
| Steals | 11 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 32 |
| Fouls | 10 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 26 | 56 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-53Giovanni Emejuru makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half52-53Isaiah Mbeng makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half53-53Jordan Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-53Isaiah Mbeng makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-55Matheo Coffi makes 4-foot dunk (Jamir Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half55-56Dorian Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-57Dorian Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Jordan Riley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-60Brent Moss makes 23-foot three point jumper (Matheo Coffi assists)
- 2nd Half58-60Giovanni Emejuru makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-60Giovanni Emejuru makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-63Jamir Simpson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dorian Hayes assists)
- 2nd Half60-63Jordan Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Jordan Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Jamir Simpson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-66Jamir Simpson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-66Jordan Riley makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half64-68Jamir Simpson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-70Daniel Akitoby makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot (Dorian Hayes assists)
- 2nd Half65-70Jordan Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Jordan Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-73Dorian Hayes makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half68-73Eli DeLaurier makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-73Eli DeLaurier makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot (Corey Caulker assists)
- 2nd Half71-73Eli DeLaurier makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-73Jordan Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-73Jordan Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Jamir Simpson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-75Jamir Simpson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-75Giovanni Emejuru makes 4-foot dunk (Corey Caulker assists)
- 2nd Half75-77Jamir Simpson makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Brent Moss assists)
- 2nd Half77-77Eli DeLaurier makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half78-77Jordan Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-79Baboucarr Njie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-80Jamir Simpson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-81Jamir Simpson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-81Corey Caulker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-81Demitri Gardner makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half81-81Demitri Gardner makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half82-81Demitri Gardner makes free throw 3 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours UTSA Roadrunners, below favours East Carolina Pirates.
Venue
- UTSA Convocation CenterSan Antonio, TX
- Attendance1037
- OfficialsGarrick Shannon, Blake Harris, Bharat Ramnanan
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond