GREENVILLE — Charlotte extended East Carolina’s losing streak to six games with a 73-70 American Conference win on Sunday.

The 49ers had a 14-point lead at 45-31 with 10:20 remaining. The Pirates surged within 71-70 on a 3-pointer by Demitri Gardner with 11 seconds left.

Anton Bonke made two free throws for the visitors with eight seconds to go. Jordan Riley got up a tying 3-point attempt from the right side that was off  before time expired.

“The 3-poiunt line was the difference,” said ECU coach Mike Schwartz on the Pirate radio network. “They hit eight in the first half.”

Charlotte (10-9, 4-2 American) had a 45-33 lead at the break.

The 49ers finished 10 for 21 on threes for 47.6 percent. ECU (5-13, 0-5) was six for 16 from long range for 37.5 percent.

Riley paced the Pirates with 23 points. Corey Caulker scored 14. Gardner tallied 12. Giovanni Emejuru and Reid Cason added seven points each.

Dezayne Mingo led Charlotte with 16 points. Hitting 12 each were Arden Conyers, Bonke and Ben Bradford.

Next up for ECU is a game at Wichita State (11-8, 3-3) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+). The Shockers are coming off an 86-85 overtime win at South Florida on Sunday.