Bears fall 94-54 at North Carolina in season opener

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Central Arkansas opened the 2025-26 season Monday with a 94-54 loss to North Carolina at the Dean Smith Center.

The Bears (0-1) showed effort but struggled to match the Tar Heels’ pace and physicality. North Carolina (1-0) controlled both halves, forcing 17 turnovers and holding UCA to just 31 percent shooting.

UCA got 21 points from its bench, a positive sign for depth, but the team trailed by double digits most of the game.

The Bears hit nine three-pointers but went just 5 of 9 from the free-throw line, while the Tar Heels used transition play and inside scoring to widen the gap.

North Carolina finished the first half with a 51-23 lead and never looked back.

First-half struggles set tone

The Tar Heels set an early tone with full-court pressure that created quick points off turnovers. Caleb Wilson’s dunk in transition put North Carolina ahead 14-4 and energized the home crowd.

UCA sophomore Cole McCormick helped slow the momentum with a three-pointer and later added a layup to close the half, but the Bears couldn’t keep pace.

North Carolina shot 50 percent from the field in the half while holding the Bears to 29 percent. UCA committed 10 turnovers before halftime and was out-rebounded 24-13.

The Tar Heels closed the half on a 9-2 run, pushing their advantage to 28 points.

UCA entered the locker room needing offensive adjustments and a stronger rebounding presence.

Bears show late fight

The Bears came out of the break with energy as Camren Hunter drove for a layup in the first minute of the second half.

Freshman Ty Robinson provided a spark midway through the half with back-to-back three-pointers, cutting the deficit to 28.

Despite the effort, North Carolina’s size and depth allowed it to extend the lead again behind Henri Veesaar’s inside scoring and balanced perimeter shooting.

UCA’s defense improved slightly after halftime, but the Tar Heels still outscored the Bears 43-31 in the second period.

By the final horn, North Carolina had built a 40-point cushion, handing UCA a tough season-opening test.

Individual standouts for UCA

McCormick led the Bears with nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, along with four rebounds before fouling out.

Rashad Bolden added eight points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 23 minutes.

Freshman guard Luke Moore contributed eight points and three steals off the bench, while Parker Applegate collected two points, two rebounds, and two steals.

UCA coach John Shulman used 11 players in the rotation, giving several newcomers early experience against one of college basketball’s top programs.

The bench’s 21 points highlighted a silver lining in an otherwise difficult night.

Statistical breakdown favors Tar Heels

Central Arkansas shot 31.3 percent from the field and 27.6 percent from beyond the arc.

North Carolina hit 50.8 percent overall and 34.5 percent from deep while outrebounding the Bears 45-30.

UCA finished with 17 turnovers and eight steals; the Tar Heels committed 12 turnovers and collected 13 steals.

North Carolina also converted 81.8 percent of its free throws to UCA’s 66.7 percent.

The statistical gap underscored the Bears’ biggest issues — shot selection, ball security, and rebounding.

Quick turnaround at home

The Bears will host Champion Christian College in their home opener Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Farris Center in Conway.

Coach Boone’s team will look to clean up turnovers and regain shooting rhythm before facing a stretch of nonconference games.

The focus in practice this week will likely center on handling defensive pressure and improving spacing on offense.

The matchup gives UCA a chance to reset and build confidence after opening the season against a nationally ranked opponent.

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.

Key takeaways

• UCA struggled with turnovers and low shooting percentages in a 94-54 loss at North Carolina.
• The Bears’ bench produced 21 points, a positive sign for depth moving forward.
• UCA returns home Nov. 8 to face Champion Christian at the Farris Center.