GREENVILLE — East Carolina had some pronounced statistical advantages in taking Florida Atlantic to the buzzer in a 78-76 American Athletic Conference loss at home on Sunday.

The Pirates had a 44-30 lead in rebounding and shot 16 more free throws.

ECU trailed 31-18 with 7:54 left in the first half, but rallied to lead, 59-54, with 10:57 to go.

Jayshayne Woodard had a steal for the Pirates with 11 seconds left. R.J. Felton and Woodard missed potential winning threes in the frantic final four seconds.

“Disappointed we weren’t able to find a way,” said ECU coach Mike Shwartz. ” … We obviously fought and were in position to have a chance to steal it at the end.”

The Pirates slipped to 8-7 overall and 0-2 in league play despite game highs from C.J. Walker in points (21) and rebounds (13). Jordan Riley added 19 points and grabbed nine caroms.

Felton didn’t start for the first time in 61 games and added 15 points. Woodard totaled 10 points.

FAU (8-7, 1-1 AAC) offset the board and foul line disparities by hitting 31 of 58 field goal attempts for 53.4 percent. ECU was just 13 of 25 at the line for 52 percent.

The Owls were led by 17 points each from Tre Carroll and Ken Evans Jr.

The Pirates host Temple (9-5, 1-0 AAC) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+).