CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the East Carolina women’s basketball team used a dominant third-quarter surge to overcome a halftime deficit and secure a 67-61 victory over Charlotte in an American Athletic Conference matchup Friday afternoon at Halton Arena.

The visiting Pirates, who improved to 16-7 overall, were led by a stellar performance from guard Kennedy Fauntleroy. The junior from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, scored a game-high 21 points, dished out five assists, and recorded two steals and two blocks in 38 minutes of action. Her all-around effort was pivotal in steadying East Carolina after a sluggish first half.

The game unfolded as a defensive struggle early, with both teams locked at 12 after a low-scoring first quarter. Charlotte, now 9-13, found its rhythm in the second period. Behind the playmaking of hometown guard Tanajah Hayes, who finished with 15 points and nine assists, the 49ers built an 18-12 edge in the quarter to take a 30-24 lead into halftime. The Pirates managed just 12 points in each of the first two quarters, shooting poorly and committing 11 first-half turnovers.

The narrative shifted dramatically after the break. East Carolina emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, unleashing a 24-point third quarter while holding Charlotte to 21. The Pirates shot 50% from the field in the period, connecting on 3-of-5 from three-point range. Fauntleroy catalyzed the run, scoring seven points and assisting on two key three-pointers by Jayla Hearp during the frame. Anzhane’ Hutton, who contributed 14 points and six rebounds, also provided crucial interior scoring as East Carolina erased the deficit and built a 48-51 lead heading into the final quarter.

East Carolina’s defense, which forced 24 Charlotte turnovers leading to 19 points, tightened its grip in the fourth. The Pirates extended their lead to as many as nine points, weathering every push from the 49ers. Charlotte cut the lead to 58-61 with 25 seconds remaining on a three-pointer by Imani Smith, who had 10 points. But the Pirates sealed the game at the free-throw line, with Hutton making two clutch shots with 14 seconds left to provide the final margin.

While Charlotte won the battle on the offensive glass, grabbing 16 rebounds to East Carolina’s seven, the 49ers could not overcome their own ball-handling issues. The Pirates’ nine steals, led by Fauntleroy’s two and two more from reserve Mildred Dibua, were a constant disruptive force.

For East Carolina, balance complemented Fauntleroy’s standout night. Hutton’s 14 points were joined by 10 points apiece from Hearp and Keanna Rembert. Rembert added four rebounds and two blocks. Charlotte’s Zoe Best matched Smith with 10 points and added six rebounds and two blocks. Asianae Nicholson pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds for the 49ers.

The victory keeps East Carolina in the upper tier of the American Athletic Conference as it heads into a key stretch. The Pirates host South Florida next Wednesday. Charlotte, seeking to snap a three-game skid, travels to face Tulane on the same night. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Greenville on Feb. 28.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, East Carolina entered the game with a 63.9% probability to win. The announced attendance at Halton Arena was 544.