GREENVILLE — UNC-Wilmington made its last nine field goal attempts in a 78-75 win at East Carolina on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, late game shooter defense is what cost us the game,” said ECU coach Mike Schwartz on the Pirate radio network.

The Seahawks (2-0) missed four free throw opportunities in the last 20 seconds, but ECU was off on three tying attempts from beyond the arc.

UNCW is the preseason favorite in the Coastal Athletic Association and seven-footer Patrick Wessler, the CAA preseason Player of the Year, had 24 points, 18 rebounds and three assists in a facemask.

Tahlan Pettway hit 3-pointers on consecutive Seahawk possessions for a 76-73 lead with 46 seconds left.

The Pirates (1-1) had their largest lead at 57-50 with 9:41 remaining.

Cian Medley had 23 points and 12 assists for ECU. Trevor Best hit five of six from long range in the second half for 22 points. Kaseem Watson finished with 11 points. Brycen Blaine totaled six points, 11 rebounds and three steals.

Two free throws by Best tied the score at 73 with 1:09 to go.

ECU’s last lead was 71-70 on two free throws by Medley with 2:07 left.

C.J. Luster II had 21 points in the win. Pettway added 15 points and Gavin Walsh tallied 10.

The Pirates rallied from an early 13-2 deficit to lead 33-31 at the half as Medley had 13 points in the opening 20 minutes. Medley had the last four points of the half on free throws.

ECU returns to action on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at home against N.C. A&T (1-1) (ESPN+).