BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University (3-1) edged out Central Ark. (1-4) in a closely contested match, finishing 35-32 at Provost Umphrey Stadium. Lamar held a slim lead at halftime, built a bigger lead in the thrid quarter but then Central Ark. mounted a late comeback with 15 fourth-quarter points, ultimately falling short. The Bears final pass into the end zone for the win in the final seconds fell incomplete.

Central Arkansas began the first quarter by receiving the kickoff, quickly advancing with a 12-yard pass from Luther Richesson to Ty Durham. Despite initial momentum, the drive stalled, resulting in a punt. The Cardinals capitalized on the field position, scoring a touchdown on a 32-yard rush. Then with good field position again after another good punt return, extending their lead with a 7-yard touchdown pass, putting the home team ahead 14-0 early in the period.

The Bears responded with a well-executed 75-yard drive, highlighted by a series of completions from Austin Myers to Malachi Henry, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass. Following a defensive stop, the Bears mounted another successful drive. Landen Chambers' rushes set the stage for another scoring opportunity, and he finished with a 1-yard touchdown run. Caleb Jones' successful extra point tied the score. The first quarter concluded with the score level at 14-14 after a balanced comeback by the Bears.

The second period opened with a defensive highlight for the Bears as Kyle Vocque sacked Lamar University's Aiden McCown for a loss of 15 yards. Following the defensive stop, the Bears capitalized on the momentum with a drive highlighted by a 15-yard rush from Chambers and a 25-yard pass from Myers to Henry, culminating in a 27-yard field goal by Devin Jackson. This sequence extended the Bears' lead to 17-14.

The Cardinals responded with a drive that included a significant 22-yard pass completion to Izaha Jones, moving them into scoring position. Although a holding penalty nullified a touchdown, the Bears' Ashtyn Williams intercepted a pass from McCown, stalling the Cardinals' drive. However, Lamar regained possession and scored a late touchdown with under a minute remaining, shifting the lead to 21-17 as the period concluded.

Lamar University opened the third quarter with a 34-yard touchdown pass from McCown to Blake Thomas, extending their lead. The Bears responded with a 15-yard pass from Myers to Chambers that led to a first down, though the drive stalled following a false start penalty and ended with a punt. The Cardinals added another touchdown on a 31-yard pass from McCown to Kyndon Fuselier, bringing the score to 35-17.

The Bears started a promising drive with Chambers rushing effectively to move the chains, but the drive was cut short by an interception in the end zone by DeMarcus Rankin. Despite a strong defensive stop, forcing a turnover on downs, the Bears' attempt to regain momentum ended with another interception, concluding the third quarter with Lamar leading 35-17.

The fourth quarter began with the Bears trailing and immediately showing resolve. Dillon Williams and Jakobe Shell initiated a defensive stop, tackling Major Bowden for a loss and forcing a Lamar punt. Taking over at their own 8-yard line, the Bears mounted a 92-yard drive, highlighted by Chambers' 15-yard rush and Myers' completions to Henry, capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass to Arlie Lee at 7:43, narrowing the gap to 35-25.

The Bears continued to apply pressure on Lamar's next possession, with Trevion Traylor sacking Lamar's McCown for an 11-yard loss. The defensive effort forced a quick punt, allowing the Bears to regain possession. Myers connected with Triston Edwards for a critical 20-yard gain, setting up a 14-yard touchdown pass to Henry, closing the score to 35-32 with just over three minutes remaining.

In the final minutes, the Bears regained possession with under two minutes left, driving deep into Lamar territory. Myers' 28-yard pass to Lee advanced the ball to the Lamar 37-yard line. Despite a sack pushing them back, the Bears continued their attack until a fourth-down pass was broken up by Lamar's Kristian Pugh, sealing the game as time expired. The Bears closed the deficit but ultimately fell short, ending the game at 35-32.

Chambers led the rushing attack with 136 yards on 31 carries, adding one touchdown to his performance. Myers completed 25 of 41 passes for 358 yards, throwing three touchdowns. Henry was a key target, collecting nine receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, Williams recorded 15 tackles, providing a strong presence throughout the game.

Up next for the Bears is a matchup against Utah Tech at Estes Stadium in Conway, Ark. on Saturday, October 4. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.