GREENVILLE — Alabama-Birmingham thwarted an East Carolina comeback for an 87-85 American Conference win on Sunday despite a 30-point performance by Jordan Riley of the Pirates.

ECU, which trailed by a 58-46 margin with 12:18 to go, got the game to extra time on a 3-pointer by Isaiah Mbeng with 10 seconds left in regulation on Riley’s assist to tie the score at 79.

Reid Cason blocked a shot attempt on UAB’s last possession in regulation.

The visitors took an 87-85 lead with 16 seconds left in overtime on a pull-up jumper by Jacob Meyer. Riley missed a tying attempt, and Daniel Rivera claimed the final rebound for UAB (11-6, 2-2 American).

“We just came up a play or two short,” said ECU coach Mike Schwartz. “There’s a bunch of warriors in that locker room that are hurting.”

ECU slipped to 5-11 overall and 0-3 in league play with its fourth straight loss.

Three players had double-doubles for the Pirates. Riley had 10 rebounds. Giovanni Emejuru had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Cason finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Mbeng had seven points and nine assists. Tybo Bailey and new addition Dimitri Gardner scored nine each.

The Blazers were led by Meyer with 29 points. Kyeron Lindsay-Martin added 20 for UAB before fouling out.

The Pirates play next at South Florida (10-6, 2-1) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+).