UCA Stays Hot, Beats Eastern Kentucky for Fifth Straight Win

Central Arkansas continued its strong run in ASUN Conference play with a 90-81 win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at the Farris Center.

The victory marked the fifth straight win for the Bears, who improved to 12-10 overall and 7-2 in conference play. Eastern Kentucky fell to 7-16 overall and 3-7 in the ASUN.

UCA took control early by forcing turnovers and turning those mistakes into points. The Bears scored 13 points off turnovers and stayed efficient on offense throughout the game.

Eastern Kentucky struggled to find consistency in the opening minutes. The Colonels committed 11 first-half turnovers, while UCA limited itself to just three in the opening period.

The Bears set the pace with steady ball movement and disciplined shot selection. That approach helped them build separation before halftime.

By the break, UCA had opened a 40-27 lead, putting pressure on Eastern Kentucky to respond in the second half.

UCA Bears guard Camren Hunter on defense in game against Eastern Kentucky at the Farris Center in Conway, Ark. | Kalub Rainey-allBEARS+ Images

Bears Build First-Half Advantage

The Bears scored first and never trailed. Malchiah Marable opened the game with a layup in the opening minute, setting the tone for the afternoon.

Camren Hunter played a key role early, attacking the basket and creating scoring chances. His finish with just over three minutes left in the half helped maintain the Bears’ momentum.

UCA capitalized on transition opportunities created by turnovers. Those extra possessions allowed the Bears to control tempo and keep Eastern Kentucky off balance.

Eastern Kentucky tried to slow the pace but struggled to generate clean looks. Missed shots and turnovers continued to limit the Colonels’ scoring chances.

Defensively, the Bears stayed active in passing lanes and closed out on shooters. That effort helped prevent Eastern Kentucky from making a sustained run.

UCA closed the first half with confidence, heading to the locker room with a 13-point cushion.

UCA Bears guard Javion Guy-King driving against Eastern Kentucky at the Farris Center in Conway, Ark. | Kalub Rainey-allBEARS+ Images

Second-Half Push Answered by UCA

Eastern Kentucky showed urgency coming out of halftime. Tyler Jackson hit back-to-back three-pointers early in the second half to cut into the deficit.

UCA answered quickly. Hunter knocked down multiple shots from beyond the arc, stopping the Colonels’ momentum.

Javion Guy-King added energy on both ends of the floor. His rebounding helped the Bears limit second-chance opportunities.

The Colonels continued to push, trimming the margin at several points, but they couldn’t string together enough stops to fully close the gap.

The Bears extended the lead back to double digits midway through the half. Strong ball control and smart decisions kept UCA in control.

Down the stretch, the Bears made timely baskets and free throws to seal the win.

UCA Bears guard Luke Moore looking inside against Eastern Kentucky at the Farris Center in Conway, Ark. | Kalub Rainey-allBEARS+ Images

Balanced Effort Lifts Bears

Hunter led the Bears with 32 points, shooting efficiently from the field. He also added two blocked shots on the defensive end.

Guy-King finished with 11 points and matched his career high with nine defensive rebounds, helping secure possessions late.

Ty Robinson contributed 13 points, along with three steals and three assists. His defensive pressure helped disrupt Eastern Kentucky’s rhythm.

Luke Moore added 12 points and seven assists, helping direct the offense and manage the pace.

Eastern Kentucky was led by Jackson, who scored 16 points. MJ Williams added 14 points, but the Colonels couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

Win Streak Continues for the Bears

The win extended the Bears’ winning streak to five games, marking the program’s longest run since the 2011-12 season.

UCA has climbed the ASUN standings during the streak by combining efficient offense with improved defensive execution.

The Bears will look to keep the momentum going when they return to action against North Alabama on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

That game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. tip at the Farris Center.