GREENVILLE — UNC-Greensboro made eight of eight free throws in the final 32 seconds to top East Carolina, 82-78, in a nonconference contest on Saturday.

The Pirates (3-6) had an early 17-8 lead, but the Spartans (2-8) rallied for a 46-34 advantage early in the second half.

ECU coach Mike Schwartz cited turnovers as a deciding factor on the Pirate radio network. ECU committed 15 to 11 for the visitors.

Justin Neely put UNCG ahead to stay at 67-65 with 3:03 remaining on a driving layup.

The Pirates were within two points, at 78-76, on a 3-pointer by Isaiah Mbeng with 14 seconds left, but two free throws by Lilian Marville restored a 2-possession lead for the Spartans.

Neely had 23 points and eight rebounds for UNCG. Marville added 22 points.

“We played well the last two games,” said Spartans coach Mike Jones on the ESPN+ telecast. “Today continued that progress.”

Jordan Riley had a game-high 25 points for ECU. Post player Giovanni Emejuru added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Corey Caulker had  four assists.

The Pirates host Appalachian State (5-5) on Thursday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+).