Bears secure ASUN bye with 79-62 victory at home

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas earned a key 79-62 win over West Georgia on Saturday night at the Farris Center.

The victory secured a first-round bye in the ASUN Tournament and marked another strong step in conference play.

The Bears used steady defense and balanced scoring to control the game. UCA never trailed in the second half and kept pressure on West Georgia from start to finish.

Ty Robinson led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds. It was his first double-double of the season and one of his most complete games this year.

Luke Moore added a career-high 21 points. He also dished out five assists and scored both inside and from mid-range.

UCA started quickly when Javion Guy-King scored the game’s first basket. That early layup helped set the tone for the Bears.

Camren Hunter and Robinson followed with strong plays in transition. The Bears pushed the pace and built an early lead.

Truman Byrne hit two three-pointers during a key stretch in the first half. That run helped UCA extend the margin to double digits.

By halftime, the Bears led 44-35. They had already scored 38 points in the paint and forced several turnovers.

First half surge sets tone

The Bears’ offense moved the ball well throughout the opening half. Moore found open teammates, and UCA kept attacking the rim.

West Georgia tried to respond with outside shooting. Brady Hardewig hit a late three before halftime, but UCA still held a solid lead.

Robinson showed confidence from beyond the arc. He knocked down five three-pointers in the game and helped stretch the defense.

The Bears also controlled the glass. UCA finished with a 40-34 rebounding edge, limiting second-chance points.

In the second half, Robinson connected on another three at the 18:25 mark. That shot pushed the lead back to double digits.

Guy-King added a layup and later drilled a three-pointer. His energy gave the Bears another boost.

Moore continued to score in traffic. He finished strong at the rim and made smart decisions with the ball.

With just over five minutes left, Robinson hit another key three. That basket helped seal the outcome.

Defense, depth carry UCA forward

The Bears forced 14 turnovers and turned many of them into points. UCA stayed active in passing lanes and contested shots.

West Georgia’s Malcolm Noel made free throws and hit two threes, but the Wolves never cut the deficit to a single possession in the second half.

UCA’s bench also contributed valuable minutes. The Bears stayed fresh and maintained defensive focus late in the game.

Robinson capped his night with two free throws in the final minutes. That gave him 23 points and secured his double-double.

The win marked UCA’s 12th conference victory this season. It set a new school record for most ASUN wins in a single year.

The Bears have now positioned themselves well for postseason play. The first-round bye gives UCA extra time to rest and prepare.

UCA will next travel to face Stetson on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. That road matchup will close out another stretch of conference action.

For now, the Bears can look back at a complete team effort. UCA defended, rebounded, and executed when it mattered most to clinch the ASUN Tournament bye.