Sugar Bears fall 78-71 at Missouri in season opener

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Central Arkansas came within a hair of an upset in their season opener, falling 78-71 to the Missouri Tigers on Monday in Columbia, Mo.

In a game that featured seven first-time players wearing the purple and gray, UCA kept pace with the Tigers early, and even led at times. But Missouri managed a late 7-0 run to close out the contest.

The Sugar Bears, playing their first game under new lineups and rotations, showed balance across the board.

Graduate guard Shae Littleford led with 17 points, while sophomore guard Cheyanne Kemp added 12 points and senior forward Bree Stephens had 11. Freshman Jenna Cook scored 10 in her debut.

UCA’s defense held Missouri to just 20 made field goals while forcing 13 turnovers. The Sugar Bears also shot 45 percent from the floor compared to the Tigers’ 35. Still, the difference came at the free-throw line — Missouri attempted 45 free throws to UCA’s 12.

Sugar Bears set the tone early

UCA started strong as junior guard Paris Santacaterina scored the first basket of the season before Kemp’s three gave UCA an early 5-4 edge.

The teams traded scores throughout the opening period, with freshman Emerie Bohanon tying the game at 18 with a layup in the closing seconds of the first quarter.

By halftime, the Sugar Bears trailed 36-33 after keeping pace with the Southeastern Conference foe. Kemp led the way with nine first-half points and Santacaterina added eight.

Missouri attempted 15 free throws in the first half, while UCA had none, a key factor as the game progressed.

The Sugar Bears stayed disciplined with the ball, turning it over just four times before intermission and finding steady rhythm from long range.

Back-and-forth second half

Littleford opened the third quarter with a three-pointer that gave UCA a brief lead, sparking a run of lead changes through the middle of the period.

Missouri eventually created a small cushion, building a five-point margin heading into the fourth quarter.

The Sugar Bears fought back late. Amaning’s layup and Bohanon’s corner three pulled UCA within one.

Two Littleford free throws cut the deficit to three with 1:40 remaining.

However, Missouri tied the game at 71-all on a pair of free throws before closing with a 7-0 run to seal the win.

The late push ended UCA’s bid for its first Power Four victory under head coach Kelsi Musick.

Balanced effort highlights UCA growth

Four players reached double figures for UCA. Littleford’s 17 points led all scorers, while Kemp added 12 points and six rebounds.

Stephens finished 5-for-9 from the floor, and Cook made 4-of-7 shots off the bench.

UCA shot 28-of-62 from the field and 8-of-23 from beyond the arc. Missouri’s free-throw advantage proved decisive, as the Tigers made 33 of 45 attempts.

The Sugar Bears outscored Missouri 32-28 in the paint, committed just seven turnovers, and collected 16 assists.

Their ball movement and poise were evident against a taller SEC roster.

Looking ahead to the home opener

Despite the loss, the game showed progress for a retooled Sugar Bears team coming off a 19-win season.

Competing evenly with a Power Four opponent, limiting turnovers, and maintaining defensive structure were positive signs for Musick’s squad.

UCA returns home to Conway for its home opener against Lyon College on Friday at 6:30 p.m. inside the Farris Center.

The Sugar Bears will look to build on Monday’s performance before entering ASUN Conference play later this month.

Key takeaways:

• UCA challenged Missouri throughout, falling 78-71 despite out-shooting the Tigers and committing fewer turnovers.

• Littleford led with 17 points; Kemp, Stephens, and Cook also reached double figures.

• Free-throw disparity (45-12) swung the outcome toward Missouri.