The ECU basketball team returned to Greenville early this morning after claiming the CollegeInsider.com tournament championship.

At the buzzer last night, Akeem Richmond hit a three-pointer to push the Pirates ahead of Weber State 77-74.

Hundreds of fans greeted the team when they flew into Pitt-Greenville Airport from Ogden, Utah around 4:30 a.m.

It's the first ever postseason championship in the Pirates history.

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OGDEN, Utah (AP) -- Akeem Richmond hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift East Carolina over Weber State 77-74 Tuesday night and claim the CollegeInsider.com tournament championship, capping the best season in school history.

The Pirates trailed 71-65 with 2:50 remaining but closed on a 12-3 run.

Weber State (30-7) had a chance to pad its late lead but had trouble at the line, making 9-of-19 free throws overall.

Miguel Paul led East Carolina with 23 points and Maurice Kemp added 20 for the Pirates (23-12), who tied a school record for wins in a season set by the 1953-54 squad.

Scott Bamfort led Weber State with 19 points, and Frank Otis and Davion Berry had 16 apiece.

The loss was Weber State's first at home since Dec. 15, a 10-point setback to Brigham Young. The Wildcats entered Tuesday's game on a 14-game home winning streak.

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Akeem Richmond hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer as East Carolina grabbed the CIT Title 77-74.

It's the first ever postseason championship in the Pirates history.

The Pirates had four players in double-digit points. Miguel Paul led all scorers with 23 points.

Scott Bamforth led Weber State with 19 points.

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