Razorbacks surge in second half to defeat Central Arkansas 93-56

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks improved to 2-1 on the season with a convincing 93-56 victory over the Central Arkansas Bears on Tuesday at Bud Walton Arena.

The Bears, now 1-2, trailed by just nine points at halftime before the Razorbacks surged ahead in the second half to secure the win.

Central Arkansas opened the game with an early spark as Camren Hunter scored on a layup just 55 seconds into play.

The Bears kept pace with Arkansas through the first 10 minutes, matching baskets behind solid mid-range shooting and hustle plays on the defensive glass.

As the half wound down, Ty Robinson provided a key moment for the Bears, hitting a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left and converting a foul shot for a four-point play that cut into Arkansas’ lead. Despite the surge, Arkansas held a 43-34 advantage at the break.

After halftime, the Razorbacks quickly took control. Their pressure defense and transition game overwhelmed Central Arkansas, sparking a series of runs that built the margin into double digits.

Arkansas outscored the Bears 50-22 in the second half, turning a competitive first half into a lopsided result.

The difference came from efficiency on both ends. Arkansas shot 49.2 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three-point range, while Central Arkansas managed only 28.4 percent overall and 9.8 percent from beyond the arc.

The Razorbacks’ balance and ball movement helped create open looks, while their defense limited the Bears’ clean shot attempts.

Rebounding also played a major role in the outcome. Arkansas grabbed 49 rebounds compared to 35 for Central Arkansas, often limiting the Bears to one shot per possession.

Both teams committed eight turnovers, but the Razorbacks capitalized more consistently on fast-break chances.

For Central Arkansas, Camren Hunter led the scoring effort with 16 points and four rebounds, shooting efficiently inside. Ty Robinson added 15 points, connecting on five of 10 shots and grabbing five boards.

Freshman guard Luke Moore contributed seven points, highlighted by a fast-break three-point play midway through the second half that gave UCA brief momentum before Arkansas pulled away again.

The Bears’ effort on defense in the first half helped them keep the game close early.

They forced Arkansas into a few missed shots and contested possessions, but the Razorbacks’ depth and energy after halftime shifted the tone completely.

UCA’s offense cooled as the game went on, unable to recover from Arkansas’ scoring runs.

The 37-point defeat came just one night after the Bears pushed Arkansas to overtime in women’s basketball, adding another test for UCA early in the season.

Central Arkansas will return home to host Samford on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. in Conway, marking its final non-conference matchup before Thanksgiving week.

The Bears will look to regroup and regain shooting rhythm against the Bulldogs. Arkansas, meanwhile, continues its early-season stretch at Bud Walton Arena and aims to build on the win as it refines rotations and defensive consistency.

Key takeaways:

• Arkansas dominated the second half, outscoring Central Arkansas 50-22 to turn a nine-point halftime lead into a 37-point win.

• The Bears struggled offensively, shooting just 9.8 percent from three and 28.4 percent overall.

• Arkansas controlled the glass with 49 rebounds to UCA’s 35, helping seal the win.