BOCA RATON, FL — Jordan Riley scored 35 points for East Carolina in a 76-75 American Conference win at Florida Atlantic on Sunday.

“The mail man delivered on Sunday,” said ECU coach Mike Schwartz on the Pirate radio network in reference to Riley, who made two free throws with 14 seconds left for the final margin.

The Owls (14-9, 6-4 American) were 10.5-point favorites. They were 9-1 on their home floor this season.

Riley hit 11 of 21 field goal attempts. He was two for four from beyond the arc, including a fall-away from the right corner that tied the score at 68 with 2:44 remaining.

Riley scored on a lay-up with 1:19 left for a 72-70 ECU lead. Giovanni Emejuru tallied off Riley’s assist to put the Pirates ahead, 74-72, with 47 seconds to go.

A three by Isaiah Elohim gave FAU a 75-74 advantage with 26 seconds showing. Elohim missed from midcourt at the buzzer.

“We wanted to control the tempo as well as possible,” Schwartz said. “Anytime you’re on the road, you have to control tempo.

“Slowing their transition game was key No. 1. Key No. 2 was shooter defense in the zone. … Lastly was the rebounding.”

The Pirates trailed, 37-32, on the boards, but managed a 14-11 lead on the offensive glass.

ECU had fewer turnovers, 10-16, and led, 17-13, in points off turnovers.

The Pirates picked up their 3-point accuracy, hitting eight of 17 from distance for 47.1 percent.

FAU led 21-9 with 9:20 left in the first half, but the Pirates responded with a 14-0 run to lead, 23-21. ECU was on top, 38-36, at the half as Riley dropped a pair from the line with three seconds to go.

Riley, who played earlier in his career at Georgetown and Temple, was 11 of 14 at the line. He played all 40 minutes, crediting more running on the treadmill in training with improving his endurance.

Riley scored a career high 37 in an 83-77 home loss to Rice on Wednesday night.

Riley had a team-high nine rebounds on Sunday and five assists.

“He either got fouled, scored or made the right pass every time down the stretch,” said Schwartz of Riley.

Demetri Gardner and Emejuru had 12 points each. Gardner had five steals.

Corey Caulker had 11 points and six assists for ECU (7-15, 2-7 American).

The hosts were paced by Elohim with 20 points.

ECU will be at home for its next game against Temple (14-8, 6-3) on Saturday at noon (ESPNU). The Owls topped the Pirates, 75-67, in Philadelphia on Jan. 7.