Career-High Night from Kemp Sends UCA Past Queens 64-39

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cheyanne Kemp delivered the most productive performance of her collegiate career Wednesday night, scoring a career-high 26 points to lead Central Arkansas to a 64-39 ASUN Conference road victory over Queens.

Kemp added 10 rebounds to record her first career double-double, providing consistent scoring and physical presence that set the tone on both ends of the floor from start to finish.

The Sugar Bears improved to 12-10 overall and moved to 5-5 in ASUN play with the win, while Queens dropped to 8-14 on the season and 2-9 in conference action.

UCA controlled the game early and never trailed, using a combination of efficient offense and steady defense to gradually build separation as the game progressed.

The Sugar Bears limited Queens to 28 percent shooting from the field and held the Royals to just 39 total points, never allowing more than 11 points in any quarter.

UCA also won the rebounding battle decisively, finishing with a 47-32 advantage on the glass that limited second-chance opportunities.

Defensive pressure led to 19 Queens turnovers, allowing the Sugar Bears to convert stops into transition chances throughout the night.

The result was a wire-to-wire road win built on discipline, balance, and control.

Kemp Leads Consistent Offensive Effort

Kemp established herself early by scoring in the paint and finishing through contact, forcing Queens to account for her presence on nearly every possession.

Her scoring came from multiple areas of the floor, and her willingness to attack the rim opened space for teammates to operate on the perimeter.

Kemp reached double figures before halftime and continued to add to her total steadily in the second half, never allowing Queens to regain momentum.

On the defensive end, her rebounding helped UCA control tempo and limit extended possessions, a key factor in the Sugar Bears’ ability to stretch the lead.

Shae Littleford provided a reliable secondary scoring option, finishing with 15 points and giving the Sugar Bears consistent production when Kemp drew extra attention.

Littleford’s perimeter shooting forced Queens to extend its defense, creating additional driving lanes for UCA’s offense.

Multiple players contributed offensively, preventing the Royals from focusing on a single scorer.

That balance allowed the Sugar Bears to maintain control even as substitutions rotated in and out.

UCA Takes Control in the First Half

UCA opened the game with an aggressive start, scoring the first eight points while forcing early misses on the defensive end.

The Sugar Bears held Queens to just one made field goal on its first 11 attempts, using strong on-ball defense and quick rotations to contest shots.

Queens stayed close early by converting free throws, but struggled to find rhythm from the field as UCA continued to defend without fouling.

Rebounding on the defensive end allowed the Sugar Bears to push the pace selectively, turning stops into efficient scoring opportunities.

A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Bree Stephens closed the first quarter and extended the UCA lead to eight.

That shot provided momentum heading into the second period, where the Sugar Bears continued to dictate tempo.

UCA maintained defensive pressure throughout the second quarter, forcing tough looks and limiting transition opportunities.

The Sugar Bears entered halftime with a 29-17 lead after another strong defensive stretch.

Sugar Bears Extend Lead After Halftime

UCA wasted little time after the break, opening the third quarter with an 8-0 run that quickly pushed the lead to 20 points.

Kemp remained aggressive during the run, continuing to score inside while drawing defenders that created space for teammates.

Queens attempted to respond with a brief scoring surge later in the quarter, but UCA answered each basket to keep control.

Paris Santacaterina knocked down a timely three-pointer to halt the Royals’ momentum, followed by another from Littleford.

Those responses allowed the Sugar Bears to match Queens score-for-score for the remainder of the period.

UCA maintained composure offensively, working through sets and avoiding rushed possessions.

The Sugar Bears closed the third quarter with a comfortable double-digit lead intact.

Queens never cut the margin to single digits after halftime.

Fourth Quarter Closes It Out

Kemp and Littleford opened the fourth quarter by scoring the first 10 points for UCA, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Their baskets extended the Sugar Bears’ lead and eliminated any realistic comeback opportunity.

UCA continued to force turnovers with active hands and strong help defense, keeping Queens from finding easy scoring chances.

An 8-0 run midway through the quarter pushed the advantage to 26 points, the largest lead of the night.

Jenna Cook contributed during that stretch, finishing inside and helping UCA maintain offensive flow.

The Sugar Bears remained disciplined defensively, contesting shots and securing rebounds.

UCA continued to rotate players while maintaining energy and focus.

The Sugar Bears closed out the game without issue.

Defense and Rebounding Define the Win

UCA’s defense forced 19 turnovers and produced 11 steals, disrupting Queens’ offensive rhythm throughout the contest.

The Sugar Bears consistently closed passing lanes and applied pressure without overextending.

Queens struggled to generate clean perimeter looks and rarely found opportunities at the rim.

UCA’s 47-32 rebounding advantage limited second chances and helped control pace.

The Sugar Bears turned defensive stops into efficient offensive possessions.

UCA finished the game shooting 41 percent from the field, a product of patience and shot selection.

Queens never found sustained success against the Sugar Bears’ defensive approach.

Defense anchored UCA’s performance from start to finish.

Looking Ahead

UCA returns home for its next two games as conference play continues.

The Sugar Bears will host Lipscomb on Saturday.

UCA then welcomes North Alabama on Monday in a makeup game postponed earlier due to winter weather.