Box Score ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- Akevious Williams scored two touchdowns as Bethune-Cookman fended off a late South Carolina State rally for a 28-26 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The Wildcats (4-3 overall, 2-1 MEAC) saw a 25-6 second quarter  lead diminish down to two points  on Tyrece Nick's 1-yard dive with 2:32 remaining.

But on the two-point conversion, Tydarius Peters hit Nick and forced a fumble that Todney Evans recovered to preserve the lead.

After the kickoff, Williams' third-down conversion allowed Bethune-Cookman to run out the clock and post their third consecutive win.

Williams finished with a career high 110 yards rushing on just 10 carries, including touchdown runs of 31 and 26 in the second quarter.

Uriel Hernandez converted two field goals, the second a 21-yarder with 9:19 left that gave the Wildcats an eight-point lead.

Held with a touchdown in last year's 12-9 victory, Bethune-Cookman found the end zone against the Bulldogs (1-5,1-2) in the first quarter, but it came from the defensive side.

Trevor Merritt registered a pick-six for the second straight game, this one a 42-yarder that gave Bethune-Cookman a 10-0 lead with 3:46 left in the first period.

When South Carolina State closed to 10-6 on Nick's 2-yard run, Bethune-Cookman managed two points when Kennedy Ndukwe scooped up a fumble and returned it all the way to give the Wildcats a 12-6 lead.

The Wildcats scored on their next two possessions, but the Bulldogs seized some momentum just before halftime as an interception set up a 35-yard Nick to De'Mo Burroughs 35-yard touchdown pass.

Isaac Washington rushed for 47 yards, while Keavon Mitchell caught three passes for 51.

Bethune-Cookman hosts North Carolina A&T next Saturday on Hall of Fame day. Kickoff at Daytona Stadium is slated for 4 p.m.