GREENVILLE — East Carolina won its 26th consecutive season-opening basketball game, 92-89, over Georgia Southern on Tuesday night before a crowd of 3,259 in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

Isaiah Mbeng and Eli Delaurier each made two free throws for the Pirates in the last five seconds.

Jordan Riley had 22 points on nine for 17 field goal shooting in 33 minutes before picking up his fifth foul. George Mason transfer Giovani Emejuru had 17 points and nine rebounds although he was limited to 24 minutes by foul trouble.

ECU had a 60-50 lead with 14:42 remaining but the Eagles went on a 16-3 run to lead 66-63 with 9:48 to go.

The Pirates went ahead to stay at 83-82 on a free throw by Emejuru with 2:18 left.

Reid Cason came off the bench to hit seven of eight field goal attempts and score 14 points for the Pirates. Mbeng had eight assists.

Riley had six steals.

Both teams hit 31 of 66 from the floor for 47 percent. ECU had a 39-36 rebounding advantage.

Georgia Southern was led by 21 points from Alden Applewhite. Tyren Moore scored 18 and Spudd Webb added 16.

The Pirates play at Richmond on Saturday at 6 p.m.