UCA falls 63-52 to FGCU after late fourth-quarter push

Central Arkansas came up short Thursday night, falling 63-52 to Florida Gulf Coast at the Farris Center.

UCA stayed within reach most of the game but couldn’t finish after a late push, dropping to 11-9 overall and 4-4 in ASUN Conference play.

Florida Gulf Coast improved to 10-10 overall and 6-3 in league action.

The Eagles built a narrow halftime advantage and responded when the Bears made their strongest run late in the fourth quarter.

The game opened with both teams trading baskets. Florida Gulf Coast scored the first five points before UCA answered behind Shae Littleford, who scored five straight to tie the game early.

The Bears briefly took the lead after a basket by Laylah Reese, but the Eagles answered to keep the game tight through the first quarter.

Neither team found much rhythm in the second quarter. Florida Gulf Coast outscored UCA 11-5 in the period as both offenses struggled to shoot consistently.

The Bears had difficulty finding clean looks, while FGCU capitalized at the free-throw line to take a narrow lead into halftime.

UCA stayed within striking distance coming out of the break. The Bears didn’t allow the Eagles to pull away, and Bree Stephens provided a spark with an and-one opportunity following a steal.

Stephens later added a three-pointer as UCA continued to battle through the third quarter.

Florida Gulf Coast pushed the lead to double digits late in the period, but the Bears kept fighting and entered the fourth quarter still within range.

UCA opened the final frame with renewed energy, looking to change the momentum.

The Bears made their biggest push midway through the fourth quarter. A fast-break basket by Jenna Cook followed by a three-pointer from Stephens trimmed the deficit to two points.

The crowd responded as UCA threatened to complete the comeback.

The momentum shifted back to Florida Gulf Coast after a turnover led to an Eagles basket.

FGCU followed with timely free throws and defensive stops to regain control and stretch the lead in the closing minutes.

The Bears couldn’t find another run as time wound down.

Littleford led UCA with 17 points, continuing her consistent scoring presence. Stephens added 16 points and played a key role on both ends during the Bears’ late surge.

The effort wasn’t enough to overcome FGCU’s execution down the stretch.

UCA now looks ahead to its next ASUN matchup. The Bears are scheduled to host Stetson on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Farris Center as conference play continues.