(BCSNN) — Missouri State leaned on its defense and a clutch performance from quarterback Jacob Clark to outlast New Mexico State 24–17 in overtime Wednesday night in Conference USA play.

The Bears intercepted four passes, including the game-clinching pick by Dylan Dixson on the Aggies’ first play of overtime, to secure their fourth win of the season and move to 2–1 in league play.

Clark, returning to the starting lineup after missing a game and a half due to injury, threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns on 28-of-44 passing. His final strike—a seven-yard toss to Ronnel Johnson in overtime—was his 47th career touchdown pass, tying Cody Kirby for the program’s all-time lead. Johnson led all receivers with six catches for 99 yards, including a 33-yard grab that helped set up a third-quarter score.

Missouri State never trailed in the contest, opening with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by Clark’s 9-yard pass to Jeron Askren. The Bears led 7–0, then 17–7 after a third-quarter field goal by Yousef Obeid, before New Mexico State rallied late. Quarterback Logan Fife led a five-play, 65-yard drive in just 34 seconds to tie the game at 17–17 with 1:49 remaining. Missouri State’s final drive of regulation ended with a missed 50-yard field goal attempt at the buzzer.

In overtime, Shomari Lawrence sparked the Bears with a 13-yard reception and a seven-yard run to the Aggies’ five-yard line. Two plays later, Clark found Johnson for the go-ahead score. On the ensuing possession, Dixson intercepted Fife to end the game. Missouri State also got picks from Jordan Dunbar, Maguire Neal, and Thomas Anderson, who added 11 tackles. Davon Townley Jr. contributed two sacks, a blocked field goal, and three stops.

The Bears outgained New Mexico State 102–27 in the third quarter and held the Aggies to just 109 rushing yards. Missouri State returns home next Wednesday to host FIU in another nationally televised matchup on CBS Sports Network.