CONWAY, Ark. (AP) Hayden Hildebrand threw for four touchdowns as Central Arkansas jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 41-30 victory over Sam Houston State Saturday night.

The Bears got on the board when Tremon Smith intercepted Jeremiah Briscoe on the first series, returning it 42 yards to score. The Bearkats tied it on the next series when Briscoe hit Nathan Stewart on a 34-yard scoring strike. Hildebrand and the Bears (3-1, 2-0 Southland Conference) took control, scoring 24 points for a 31-17 lead at the break.

SHSU (3-1, 1-1) closed to 34-30 when Briscoe passed to Stewart from the 2 and Corey Avery ran in from the 20 early in the fourth.

Hildebrand, who threw for 294 yards, answered after the UCA defense held the Bearkats on a fourth-down attempt. Two plays later Brandon Cox hauled in a Hildebrand toss to seal the victory.

Briscoe threw for three touchdowns and Avery rushed for 134 yards.

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