Sugar Bears roll past Red Wolves behind balanced scoring

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas delivered its most complete performance of the young season Wednesday night, rolling past Arkansas State 81-58 at the Farris Center.

The Sugar Bears improved to 2-2 overall and stayed perfect at home behind efficient scoring, timely shooting and a defense that set the tone from the opening minutes.

The Sugar Bears opened the game by scoring the first 19 points and taking full control. They hit eight of their first 13 shots while forcing Arkansas State into rushed possessions and contested looks.

The Red Wolves could not settle in against UCA’s pressure, falling behind 19-3 midway through the first quarter.

Graduate guard Shae Littleford moved past 1,000 career points during the win and led all scorers with 23 points on an efficient shooting night.

She finished 6 of 7 at the free-throw line and knocked down all three of her three-point attempts. Her play steadied UCA each time Arkansas State attempted to close the gap.

Freshman guard Jenna Cook added 13 points off the bench, bringing energy and movement into the offense during a key stretch in the first half.

Sophomore Cheyanne Kemp and junior Paris Santacaterina also reached double figures with 11 and 10 points. UCA’s bench outscored Arkansas State’s reserves and helped control the pace.

UCA held a 39-29 lead at halftime despite committing several turnovers in the second quarter against the Red Wolves’ full-court press.

Arkansas State forced seven turnovers in that frame but could score only three points off those mistakes. The Sugar Bears’ ability to recover defensively kept the lead at double digits.

Arkansas State relied on second-chance opportunities in the third quarter, grabbing seven offensive rebounds. Even so, Central Arkansas kept its defensive shape and forced tough shots.

The Red Wolves scored just 15 points in the third and hit only 2 of 11 shots from long range during that period.

Fourth quarter surge pushes UCA ahead

UCA put the game away early in the fourth with three straight three-pointers. Bree Stephens hit the first, followed by Littleford and Santacaterina.

The flurry turned a 10-point advantage into a 19-point cushion. Moments later, Littleford added a layup that pushed the margin past 20 with just over three minutes to play.

The Sugar Bears shot 52 percent from the field in the second half and 46 percent from three-point range for the game. They also made 70 percent of their free throws.

On the defensive end, they held Arkansas State to 30 percent shooting, including 18 percent from three-point distance. The Red Wolves made 86 percent of their free throws but were unable to generate consistent scoring.

UCA also held a 41-31 rebounding advantage and finished with 17 steals. The defense repeatedly turned Arkansas State’s pressure into transition chances the other way.

Littleford’s 23 points came on only eight field-goal attempts, reflecting the efficiency that fueled UCA’s attack. She helped calm UCA’s offense when Arkansas State pressed and was a reliable scoring option throughout the night.

The win continued the Sugar Bears’ strong form on their home floor and marked the second time in two tries that they have won by double digits at the Farris Center this season.

For Arkansas State, it was the first game of the year in which the Red Wolves were held under 60 points.

UCA builds momentum heading into road stretch

UCA hopes the win will provide momentum heading into next week’s Thanksgiving Tournament at Georgia State. The Sugar Bears will play three games over three days in Atlanta on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The trip will be UCA’s first multi-day tournament of the season and the longest early-season road test for the roster.

UCA’s strong defensive showing came at a key time.

Holding an opponent below 60 points for the first time this season gave the Sugar Bears confidence as they prepare for a stretch with limited rest and unfamiliar opponents.

The staff has worked to build depth, and Wednesday’s game offered proof of that progress.

Arkansas State will look to regroup after scoring its lowest point total of the season. The Red Wolves stayed active on the offensive glass but struggled to finish plays and could not slow UCA’s scoring rhythm in the first or fourth quarters.

The Sugar Bears left the evening encouraged by their balance on both ends.

The early 19-3 run, steady rebounding, defensive pressure and consistent scoring from multiple players showed signs of improvement after a challenging start to the year.

Key takeaways:

• UCA opened the game with a 19-3 run and controlled from start to finish.

• Shae Littleford scored 23 points and moved past 1,000 career points.

• UCA held Arkansas State to 30 percent shooting and won the rebounding battle by 10.