The Bearkats (7-2, 3-1 Southland Conference) broke a 28-28 tie, scoring 28 points in less than three minutes to take a 56-28 lead over the Lumberjacks (3-6, 1-3) early in the fourth quarter.
Bell found Torrance Williams for a 38-yard touchdown reception to give Sam Houston State a 35-28 lead and two fumbles from Stephen F. Austin led to quick scores by the Bearkats. Sam Houston State capped the scoring spurt with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown by DeAntrey Loche.
The Lumberjacks responded with 21 unanswered points to come within a touchdown, but the Bearkats recovered an onside kick to preserve the win.
Brady Attaway had 505 yards passing and five touchdowns to lead the Lumberjacks.
