BEAUMONT, Texas -- Jabari Peters, who finished with 14 points, scored six in the final 1:03 as Sam Houston State held on for 74-71 victory over Lamar Saturday night.

Terrance Motley also had 14 points and Paul Baxter added 13 for Sam Houston State (19-7, 11-3 Southland).

Lamar stayed with the Bearkats throughout and almost pulled out the victory in the first game for their new interim coach Tic Price, who was named Sunday.

Sam Houston State held a 65-60 lead with 4:21 remaining when Lamar came back to tie at 68 with 1:30 left. Peters answered with a 3-pointer and added three free throws to seal the victory.

Sam Houston State, which has now won six of its last seven games, remains in second place in the conference behind Stephen F. Austin.

Nimrod Hilliard had 21 points, Amos Wilson added 14 and Donovan Ross had 11 for Lamar (3-23, 2-12).