East Carolina rallied to a 30-29 victory over Memphis Tigers in overtime on Saturday after running back Keaton Mitchell scored on a 24-yard run and then the Pirates broke up a conversion pass.

Memphis went for two points after Rodrigues Clark scored on a 20-yard run. Under pressure, Seth Henigan slid to his left and threw into a crowded end zone, where the pass was easily swatted away.

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East Carolina earned its first bowl eligibility since 2015, as well as its highest overall victory total (6-4, 4-2 American Athletic Conference) since 2014. It was also the Pirates’ third consecutive victory.

When David Kemp kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired, the Tigers (5-5, 2-4) tied the game in regulation. The kick was the final play in a 15-play, 69-yard drive that featured two fourth-down conversions.

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With 1 1/2 minutes left, ECU’s Rahjai Harris scored from one yard out to cap a 16-play, 75-yard drive that took over seven minutes and gave the Pirates a 23-20 lead.

East Carolina outgained Memphis 502-341 and had 32 first downs to 15 for Memphis. In regulation, the Pirates’ scoring drives were all 65 yards or longer.

The Tigers, on the other hand, converted two interceptions by Jacobi Francis into touchdown throws, and their defensive line produced six sacks, topped by Wardalis Ducksworth’s two and a half.

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Memphis’ longest drive of the day — eight plays for 80 yards — culminated in the third quarter with Hanigan’s shovel toss to Sean Dykes for a 20-16 lead.

Henigan passed for 233 yards and three touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Lewis. He also threw an interception.

The Pirates’ Holton Ahlers threw for 313 yards and two interceptions. Tyler Snead caught 13 catches for 113 yards and 1,000 yards for the second season in a row, becoming only the third Pirate to accomplish it.

With inputs from the Associated Press