Charlotte 49ers fall to East Carolina after big early lead

East Carolina’s Jayden Gardner made four free throws in the final minute, leading East Carolina to a 60-56 come-from-behind basketball victory Sunday evening over the Charlotte 49ers.

Charlotte (6-5), trying to extend a three-game winning streak, led by as many as 11 points in the first half.

The 49ers and Pirates traded the lead several times in the closing minutes, but cold shooting down the stretch foiled Charlotte’s hopes.

The 49ers took a 54-53 lead with 4:32 to play on a pair of free throws by Milos Supica. East Carolina went back in front, but Drew Edwards scored on a layup with 1:31 remaining, giving Charlotte a 56-55 lead.

East Carolina (5-7) took the lead for good with 38 seconds left, on two free throws by Gardner. The Pirates extended the lead to 59-56 with 18 seconds remaining, as Gardner made two more foul shots. Tremont Robinson-White added a clinching free throw with four seconds left.

The 49ers’ defense shut down East Carolina in the first half. The Pirates shot 33 percent, hitting 8 of 24 from the floor. But they improved to 50 percent after halftime, making 11 of 22 shots.

Charlotte was consistent, hitting 10 of 31 in the first half and 10 of 30 in the second half.

The 49ers led by 28-17 with 2:18 left in the first half and led for 85 percent of the game.

Edwards led Charlotte with 12 points.

Gardner scored 23 points and Robinson added 18 for East Carolina.

AND ONE

Jahmir Young continues to give Charlotte a strong presence on the inside. He grabbed eight rebounds Sunday for his third straight strong rebounding effort.

PERSONAL FOUL

Charlotte’s Jordan Shepherd was held to seven points, hitting 3 of 12 from the floor. He came into the game averaging 16.2 points a game and had scored more than 20 points in each of his last two games.

ICYMI

This was the 49ers’ final game of 2019 and their last nonconference game. They resume play Jan. 2 at home against Conference USA foe UAB.

Charlotte typically has done well in its last game before conference play. Before Sunday, the 49ers were 12-7 in those contests since 2000.

The 49ers, now 18-9 all-time against East Carolina, had won their last three meetings with the Pirates.

MAKING SENSE OF THE NUMBERS

33: The 49ers’ shooting percentage for the game. They made only 21 percent of their attempts (5 of 24) from 3-point range.

7: Rebounding margin between the two teams. Charlotte was on the short end of a 37-30 total.

Steve Lyttle on Twitter: @slyttle