GREENVILLE, N,C. — Malik Fleming’s 31-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter - one of three second-half interceptions for East Carolina - gave the Pirates a lead they would not relinquish on their way to a 29-14 win against South Florida Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

East Carolina’s defense held the Bulls scoreless in the second half, allowing the Pirates to overcome a 14-6 halftime deficit. The Pirates forced four turnovers on the day and held the Bulls without a third-down conversion (0-for-7).

Holton Ahlers went 21-for-35 for 220 yards and a touchdown for the Pirates, who overcame three first-half turnovers to get back to the .500 mark overall and in conference play (4-4, 3-3). 

After Fleming’s interception return gave the Pirates a 19-14 lead, Keaton Mitchell broke a 25-yard touchdown run on East Carolina’s next possession to make it 26-14.

Rahjai Harris rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, while Keaton Mitchell had 79 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.

South Florida was without its regular starting quarterback as freshman Timmy McClain sat out after suffering an injury in the Bulls’ win against Temple last week. Katravis Marsh made his first start of the season and threw for 192 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted three times.

Kelley Joiner Jr. had a game-high 103 rushing yards for the Bulls, who fell to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in The American.