GREENVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — Jordan Riley scored 24 points and Giovanni Emejuru added 21 as East Carolina methodically dispatched Presbyterian 74-53 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Williams Arena.

The Pirates, who led by 15 at halftime, used a dominant defensive performance and efficient offense to improve to 5-7. The Blue Hose fell to 6-7.

The most important part of the game was East Carolina’s immediate and sustained defensive pressure, which set a physical tone and stifled Presbyterian from the opening tip. The Pirates blocked seven shots, forced 18 turnovers and held the Blue Hose to a frigid 1-for-11 shooting from three-point range. This defensive foundation allowed East Carolina to build a double-digit lead in the first half that Presbyterian never seriously threatened.

Emejuru, the 6-foot-10 forward from Leicester, England, was instrumental in the early surge. He won the opening tip, blocked Presbyterian’s first shot attempt, and scored the game’s first six points on a pair of dunks and a layup, all within the first three minutes. His presence inside disrupted the Blue Hose offense throughout the night, complementing his efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the field.

Riley, a 6-4 guard from Brentwood, New York, provided the consistent scoring punch. He reached double figures by halftime and finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting, adding three assists and a block. His backcourt mate, Corey Caulker, directed the offense with five assists and added seven points.

Presbyterian struggled to find any offensive rhythm against East Carolina’s length and activity. The Blue Hose managed just 23 points in the first half and finished the game shooting 39.6% from the floor. Jaylen Peterson led the team with 17 points, while Triston Wilson contributed nine points and five assists.

East Carolina’s offensive execution proved superior, as the Pirates shot 54.5% from the field and capitalized on 22 of 26 free throw attempts. They scored 74 points on just 66 possessions, a mark of high efficiency. Tybo Bailey added 12 points for the Pirates, and Luke Davis chipped in eight.

The Pirates steadily expanded their 38-23 halftime lead in the second half, with the margin never dipping below 13 points. A late tip-in dunk by Emejuru with 27 seconds remaining provided the final points.

East Carolina, which entered the game as a 2.5-point favorite, covered the spread. The total score of 127 surpassed the over/under line of 128.5. The game was played before an announced crowd of 2,663.

The victory gives East Carolina momentum heading into a challenging road game at North Carolina on Monday. Presbyterian will look to rebound when it travels to face Manhattan on Sunday.