Bears drop road game at North Texas after tight first half

DENTON, Texas — Central Arkansas opened Thursday night with an early lead and a strong defensive presence, but a difficult second half sent the Bears to a 74-56 loss at North Texas. The Bears moved to 1-4 on the season, while the Mean Green improved to 4-2.

UCA started quickly. A three-pointer from Camren Hunter and a three-point play from Malchiah Marable built a 6-0 advantage in the opening minutes. Cole McCormick added another early three that helped UCA stay in front during the first five minutes.

North Texas evened the score on a three-pointer from Cole Franklin, tying the game at 11. The matchup stayed close throughout the half, with neither team creating separation for long stretches. UCA continued to rebound well and hold its defensive shape, keeping North Texas from taking control.

The Bears trailed only 28-26 at halftime after a late tip-in by the Mean Green. UCA stayed competitive on the boards, matching North Texas in most hustle categories through the first 20 minutes.

The Bears’ defensive effort and early shot-making allowed them to remain within a single possession at the break.

Turnovers began to change the pace early in the second half. UCA committed 19 turnovers in the game, and several of them led to fast-break points for North Texas. The Mean Green opened the half with a run that stretched the lead, forcing UCA to adjust.

UCA briefly cut into the margin when Hunter hit a three-pointer to make it 35-32 with 16:18 remaining. That momentum shift was short-lived, as North Texas responded with another push that widened the gap.

The Mean Green relied on transition scoring and steady trips to the free-throw line to keep the pressure on the Bears.

North Texas eventually stretched the lead into double digits, using its defense to create scoring chances and turning UCA’s mistakes into points.

The Mean Green outscored the Bears 46-30 in the second half and maintained control from the 12-minute mark onward.

The Bears held their own on the glass, finishing with 37 rebounds to North Texas’ 38.

But missed opportunities at the line proved costly. UCA shot 56.3 percent from the free-throw line, while North Texas finished at 84.4 percent.

Combined with the turnover margin, those numbers helped tip the game in the Mean Green’s favor.

Hunter led UCA with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. McCormick added six points, eight rebounds, and two steals, giving the Bears a steady presence on the boards. Marable finished with five points, four rebounds, and three blocks, providing energy in the paint.

The Bears also reached 13 offensive rebounds, converting several second-chance scoring chances. But the team struggled to generate consistent offense late in the game as North Texas increased its defensive pressure.

UCA will return home Sunday to host Eastern Washington at the Farris Center. The Bears will play their first game back in Conway after two straight road matchups and will look to build on their early execution while working to limit mistakes.

The team’s strong start, rebounding effort and defensive stretches showed signs of progress, but reducing turnovers and improving free-throw shooting will be key as the schedule continues.

Key takeaways

• UCA kept the first half close but was outscored 46-30 after halftime.

• Turnovers (19) and free-throw shooting (56 percent) limited the Bears.

• Hunter, McCormick and Marable led UCA in scoring, rebounding and defensive plays.