LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Caden Veltkamp threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns while running for two more and Western Kentucky never trailed in its 41-28 victory over New Mexico State Saturday.

The initial was a sign of things to come when Veltkamp threw a 54-yard touchdown to Easton Messer on the fourth play of the game. Three minutes later, Veltkamp drove in from the 1 for a two-score lead.

New Mexico State cut into the deficit before the end of the first with Mike Washington’s 1-yard run. The Hilltoppers (7-2, 5-0 Conference USA) pushed the lead back to two touchdowns on a sideline for receiver Mike Williams, who threw a 51-yard touchdown to Kisean Johnson. Lucas Carneiro made a 42-yard field goal as time expired in the half for a 24-7 lead.

The Aggies (2-7, 1-5) got back into it when Washington drove in from the 3, then Seth McGowan drove in from the 7. Veltkamp drove in from the 3 before the end of the third to make it 31- 21 and the Hilltoppers led by double digits the rest of the way.

Washington rushed for 152 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns and McGowan had 113 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown.

With the win, Western Kentucky maintained its tie for first place atop Conference USA with Jacksonville State (6-3, 5-0). ___ Receive poll alerts and AP Top 25 updates throughout the season. REGISTER Here. AP College Basketball: and