Basketball
Sugar Bears grind out 59-48 win over North Alabama
UCA gets win over North Alabama, building third straight victory powered by defense and balanced scoring at the Farris Center.
Central Arkansas pushed its winning streak to three games Monday night with a 59-48 victory over the North Alabama Lions at the Farris Center.
The Sugar Bears improved to 14-10 overall and 7-5 in ASUN Conference play behind a strong defensive showing that forced 16 turnovers and limited the Lions to 35 percent shooting from the field.
The Sugar Bears didn’t take control right away but stayed close early, with both teams tied at 8-8 midway through the first quarter.
After North Alabama opened a brief seven-point lead, UCA answered with a steal and score by Shae Littleford and a three-pointer from Bree Stephens to spark a 10-0 run that flipped the game in favor of the home team.
Cheyanne Kemp paced the Sugar Bears with 16 points and seven rebounds, showing poise on both ends of the court.
Littleford added 13 points while playing aggressive defense, and Stephens contributed a versatile line with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals.
Shae Littleford | Kalub Rainey-allBEARS+ Images
Second quarter tight, third quarter advantage
Even with the early momentum swing, North Alabama stayed within striking distance throughout the second quarter.
The Lions took a one-point lead into halftime, but UCA never strayed far, ready to respond once play resumed.
In the third period, UCA worked to tie the game and build a lead.
Littleford’s three-point play and successive baskets helped the Sugar Bears edge ahead, turning a slim halftime deficit into a four-point advantage by quarter’s end.
UCA leaned on scoring near the rim and timely baskets to maintain the edge.
Meanwhile, the Sugar Bears’ defense continued disrupting North Alabama’s offense.
The Lions managed just 32 percent shooting from the field in the second half and were held to 18 percent from three-point range.
UCA’s defensive intensity repeatedly forced rushed decisions and turnovers.
Jenna Cook | Kalub Rainey-allBEARS+ Images
Pulling away in the fourth
In the fourth quarter, UCA extended its advantage with back-to-back three-pointers from Stephens and Jenna Cook.
The Sugar Bears pushed the lead to double digits, forcing a timeout by North Alabama.
Though the Lions made a late run, the home team responded with eight consecutive points to stretch the margin beyond reach.
Littleford hit another three late to give UCA its largest lead at 16, sealing the win and completing the defensive statement for coach Tony Kemper’s team.
The Sugar Bears allowed just 22 points in the second half while controlling tempo and possession down the stretch.
With this win, UCA has now captured five of its last seven games and positioned itself for a road matchup against Eastern Kentucky.
The Sugar Bears will travel to Richmond, Kentucky, to face the undefeated Colonels, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
