GREENVILLE – Former West Bladen star John Bowen blocked East Carolina’s attempt at a game-winning shot with 3 seconds left in regulation Monday night, but the Pirates used a 15-5 overtime run to claim an 88-78 victory over Bowen’s UNC-Wilmington Seahawks.
Bowen played 29 minutes and grabbed a career-high 8 rebounds, blocked 6 shots, scored 6 points and dished out one assist. He sent a fast-break pass to Mike Okauru for a 3-point play that edged the Seahawks ahead 15-13 with 14:24 left in the first half.
The Bladenboro native canned 2 free throws then knocked down a jumper from the paint to keep UNC-W within 39-30 with 3:44 left before halftime.
Bowen pulled down 3 rebounds and blocked 2 shots during a 30-6 Seahawk run that began the second half and turned a 51-37 Pirate halftime lead into a 67-57 UNC-W lead with 7:26 remaining.
After an 11-0 Pirate spurt, Bowen dropped in a lay-up with 2:40 left that pushed the Seahawks in front 69-68. The 6-7 senior’s blocked shot in the closing seconds sent the game to overtime tied 73-73.
UNC-Wilmington, now 2-2, will host St. Andrews Wednesday at 7 p.m. in their home opener.
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