BIRMINGHAM — A 90-83 loss at Alabama-Birmingham on Sunday didn’t cost East Carolina a berth in the American Conference tournament.

That door was closed with Memphis’ 96-95 overtime win at Tulane before the Pirates’ contest went final.

Ultimately, ECU couldn’t overcome an 0-6 start in league play. The Pirates made a push to be among the top 10 in the standings, the qualifying factor for inclusion in the league event, going 6-6 down the stretch in the American.

ECU (11-20, 6-12 American) had a 77-69 lead Sunday after two free throws by Giovanni Emejuru with 6:26 to go, but UAB (20-11, 11-7) closed on a 21-6 run.

Jordan Riley had an uncharacteristic performance as he was limited to 11 points, 13 below his league-leading average. He went three for 20 from the floor. Riley had nine rebounds.

Others stepped up. Demetri Gardner led the Pirates with 19 points on eight of 13 field goal shooting. Emejuru had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Reid Cason was 6-for-8 from the field, finishing around the basket for 14 points in 20 minutes.

Corey Caulker had 13 points and five assists. Luke Davis had nine points and eight rebounds.

UAB (20-11, 11-7) got 22 points each from Chance Westry and Daniel Rivera. Jacob Meyer added 18 points. The Blazers made 35 of 64 field goal attempts for 54.7 percent.

ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert has issued a statement that Mike Schwartz will be returning as Pirates coach.