JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) Jacob Saylors ran for the winning score and a fierce defensive rush frustrated a 2-point conversion attempt by Western Carolina Catamounts as East Tennessee State emerged with a 45-43 triple overtime win on Saturday.

In the third overtime, Saylors took the handoff 16 yards for a score, then Austin Herink tumbled in for two points and the Buccaneers (7-2, 5-1 Southern Conference) led 45-37. Tyrie Adams answered for Western Carolina with a short touchdown throw to cut it to 45-43 but an intense pass rush greeted Adams on the conversion try, frustrating his 2-point attempt and preserving the win for ETSU Buccaneers.

Herink finished with 294 yards and a score passing for the Buccaneers. Saylors ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

ETSU trailed at halftime and throughout the second half until Herink's TD pass and 2-point conversion run tied the game at 30-all with 10 seconds left, forcing the first overtime.

Adams threw for 229 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another 168 yards and a score for the Catamounts (3-5, 1-5).

Copyright 2018 by AP. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of AP is strictly prohibited.