East Carolina trailed by four points with under two minutes left in the game following a made free throw by Fanni Csutoras. On the next possession, the Tribe allowed almost the full 30 seconds to dwindle off the shot clock before sophomore guard Jenna Green made a 3-pointer that looked like it would ice the game. But after Antoinette Bannister made both her free throws and Gaffney made a layup, the lead was back down to four and a win looked to be within reach.
ECU hopped right into its press defense following the layup, looking to cause another Tribe turnover and cut the lead to a one possession game.