East Carolina, UAB Face Off in AAC Quarterfinals

The East Carolina Pirates are set to face the UAB Blazers in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference tournament on Friday at Dickies Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU. The Pirates advanced after a narrow 70-65 victory over Texas-San Antonio, showcasing strong performances by Jordan Riley, who recorded a double-double, RJ Felton, and Cam Hayes. This match marks the second encounter of the season between the two teams, with East Carolina previously winning 82-75. UAB enters the game as the No. 3 seed, boasting a high-scoring offense that averages 84 points per game, although their defense has struggled. Both teams are currently on a positive trajectory, with East Carolina winning seven of its last nine games. The outcome of this matchup could hinge on the performance of key players like UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg and East Carolina's RJ Felton.