GREENVILLE — Tulane closed on a 13-3 run for a 79-70 win at East Carolina on Wednesday in the American Conference opener for both clubs.

The Pirates went without a field goal over the last 3:20 in falling to 5-9.

The Green Wave (10-4) made 18 of 28 free throws, including nine of 13 by Rowan Brumbaugh, who hit nine of 13 from the line as he scored 19 points.

“Them getting to the free throw line and hitting threes was the difference,” said ECU coach Mike Schwartz on the Pirate radio network. “They hit 11 threes. We only hit six.”

Jordan Riley of ECU led all scorers with 21 points on eight for 19 field goal shooting. Tybo Bailey added 13 points. Gio Emejuru had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Pirates.

New ECU addition Demitri Gardner, whose transfer from Augusta was announced Tuesday, was scoreless in 10 minutes of play as he went 0-for-4 from the field.

Luke Davis, Corey Caulker and Reid Cason had six points apiece for the Pirates.

Tulane’s scoring included Asher Woods with 19, Scotty Middleton with 16 and Tyler Ringgold with 16.

The Pirates return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Temple at 7 p.m. (ESPN+). The Owls (9-5, 1-0 American) host Texas San Antonio on Saturday at noon (ESPNU).