TULSA, Okla. — In a thrilling finish, Rahjai Harris scored two crucial touchdowns in the fourth quarter, leading East Carolina to a narrow 38-31 victory over Tulsa on Thursday night.

The win secures bowl eligibility for East Carolina University (ECU) with a record of 6-4, marking their second time qualifying for a bowl since 2015.

Harris showcased his speed and agility, sprinting uncontested for 24 yards around the left edge with just over two minutes left in the game. He followed that up with a successful two-point conversion. Earlier in the quarter, he broke through the defense for a 23-yard touchdown run with 5.5 minutes remaining, although a missed extra point left the Pirates trailing by one point.

Following Harris’ second touchdown, the Golden Hurricane (3-7, 1-5) gained ground, advancing to the ECU 7-yard line thanks to a critical 44-yard connection between Cooper Legas and Joseph Williams. However, their hopes were dashed as Kamdyn Benjamin was denied at the goal line on a fourth-and-goal attempt as he attempted to skirt around the left end.

Legas and Williams displayed a strong rapport, accounting for three touchdowns, with their final connection being a 50-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that gave Tulsa a 31-24 lead. Just before that, they had combined for a 14-yard score on the drive prior.

Harris concluded the game with impressive stats, accumulating 114 yards on 18 carries. Meanwhile, ECU’s quarterback Katin Houser, having previously thrown five touchdowns in two consecutive games, managed to rack up 314 passing yards, along with a touchdown and 43 rushing yards despite three interceptions.

On the other side, Legas finished with 293 passing yards and one interception, while Williams recorded a career-high 158 receiving yards from five receptions. The contest was tightly contested throughout, with ECU breaking a 17-all tie at halftime with a 16-yard run from London Montgomery early in the third quarter.