However, on Texas Southern's first play following the second interception off Bell, SHSU defensive back Desmond Fite forced a fumble off Tigers running back Edward Perkins-Loving and Sam Houston began to recover, beginning a drive that ended with a two-yard rushing touchdown by SHSU running back Timothy Flanders at the 5:52-minute mark, and kicker Luc Swimberghe's extra point brought the score to 7–3 Bearkats. On Texas Southern's next possession, Tigers quarterback Homer Causey fumbled due to pressure from SHSU defensive end Andrew Weaver and Sam Houston defensive back Michael Wade recovered the ball on the Tigers 9-yard line. Bell then completed a six-yard scoring pass to SHSU wide receiver Torrance Williams with 4:35 remaining and the extra point brought the score to 14–3 Bearkats. Bell ran in a three-yard quarterback keeper at the 1:15-minute mark, and another late fumble by the Tigers on their side of the field resulted in a SHSU drive that ended with Flanders running in a one-yard score with 19 seconds remaining, however Swimberghe missed the extra point and the second quarter came to a close with Sam Houston leading 27–3 at halftime.
