UCA beats Bellarmine 84-76 for ninth straight win

Central Arkansas stretched its winning streak to nine games Wednesday night with an 84-76 victory over Bellarmine at the Farris Center.

The result kept the team near the top of the ASUN standings and continued a steady climb during conference play.

The first half was tightly contested. Bellarmine connected from the perimeter and converted key free throws to build small leads. Central Arkansas responded each time but could not fully pull away before the break.

The Knights carried a slim 34-33 advantage into halftime. UCA stayed close by moving the ball and limiting second-chance opportunities, setting up a decisive second half.

After intermission, the Bears increased their defensive pressure. Passing lanes tightened and ball pressure forced Bellarmine into mistakes that shifted momentum.

Central Arkansas forced 16 turnovers in the game and converted those into 21 points. That swing in possessions helped create separation midway through the second half.

Ty Robinson delivered a key transition three-pointer during an important stretch, helping UCA steady itself when Bellarmine threatened to regain control. His perimeter shooting added spacing that opened driving lanes for teammates.

As the final minutes approached, the Bears managed the clock and relied on defensive stops to protect the lead. Smart possessions and timely baskets secured the 84-76 win.

Balanced scoring drives the surge

UCA’s offense was balanced throughout the night. Multiple players reached double figures, continuing a trend that has defined the nine-game streak.

Camren Hunter led the Bears with 18 points while contributing eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. His ability to impact the game in several areas has been a steady presence during conference play.

Robinson added 15 points and knocked down four three-pointers. Luke Moore matched that outside production with four makes from beyond the arc and finished with 14 points.

Cole McCormick scored 10 points, marking his ninth consecutive game in double figures. That consistency has provided stability in the rotation as the season progresses.

Malchiah Marable added energy off the bench, including a highlight dunk and key free throws that helped maintain control late in the second half.

Defensively, UCA recorded 13 steals and consistently disrupted Bellarmine’s offensive rhythm. The ability to turn defense into transition points proved to be one of the biggest differences in the game.

ASUN standings impact

With the win, the Bears improved to 16-10 overall and 11-2 in ASUN play. The victory strengthened UCA’s position in the conference race as the regular season moves toward its closing stretch.

Bellarmine dropped to 11-14 overall and 6-7 in league play. The Knights were led by Kenyon Goodin with 18 points and Jack Karasinski with 17, but they were unable to overcome UCA’s second-half surge.

The Bears return home Saturday to face West Georgia. Riding a nine-game winning streak, UCA will look to continue its defensive intensity and balanced scoring as it aims for a tenth straight victory.