THIBODAUX, La. -- Tevon Saddler hit 9 of 10 from the free throw line in the final five minutes to help Nicholls hold off Central Arkansas for an 86-79 win over Central Arkansas in a Southland Conference battle Saturday afternoon.

Nicholls is off to its best start in Southland Conference play since 2014 with five wins in six starts.

After Darraja Parnell tied the game at 68-68 with a free throw, Nicholls answered with a five-point run to take control. From there, Saddler hit eight straight from the line and the Bears (9-10, 3-3) never got closer than three points the rest of the way.

Roddy Peters finished with 21 points to lead Nicholls (11-8, 5-1) while Saddler hit 11 of 12 from the line for 19 points.

Mathieu Kamba scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards for Central Arkansas. Hayden Koval added 16 points and Deandre Jones and Jordan Howard each added 15 points.