UCA holds off North Alabama for eighth consecutive win

FLORENCE, Ala. — Central Arkansas stretched its winning streak to eight games Wednesday night with a 62-55 road victory over North Alabama.

The Bears improved to 19-10 overall and 12-5 in ASUN Conference play with the hard-earned win.

Freshman Jenna Cook came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points. She knocked down a key three-pointer late in the fourth quarter that helped UCA regain control after North Alabama cut the deficit to one possession.

Cheyanne Kemp added 13 points, while Shae Littleford finished with 12. The Bears had three players in double figures and got timely contributions throughout the lineup.

North Alabama opened the game with a three-pointer, but UCA answered quickly. The Bears used a 6-0 run to grab the lead and settled into their offense early.

UCA built a seven-point edge midway through the first quarter by attacking the paint and forcing turnovers. The defense pressured the Lions into mistakes and turned those stops into transition points.

Emerie Bohanon connected from deep in the second quarter, helping the Bears extend their advantage. UCA hit six three-pointers in the first half and forced seven turnovers before the break.

By halftime, the Bears held an 11-point lead. Their ball movement created open shots, and their defense kept North Alabama from finding a steady rhythm.

The Lions came out aggressive in the third quarter and trimmed the lead to single digits. UCA didn’t panic and responded with steady possessions to keep a multi-possession cushion.

Second-half push and late control

North Alabama continued to chip away in the fourth quarter and pulled within three points late in the game.

That’s when Cook stepped into a three-pointer that pushed the lead back to six and gave UCA needed momentum.

In the final minute, Kemp and Littleford converted free throws to secure the 62-55 win. The Bears executed in key moments and limited North Alabama’s chances down the stretch.

UCA shot confidently from the perimeter in the first half and relied on defense in the second. The balanced effort allowed the Bears to maintain control even when the offense slowed.

The win marks UCA’s eighth straight victory, one of its longest streaks of the season. The run has strengthened the Bears’ position in the ASUN standings as the regular season winds down.

Cook’s performance off the bench stood out, especially her late three-pointer that halted North Alabama’s comeback attempt. Kemp’s steady scoring and Littleford’s late free throws also played important roles.

The Bears have now shown they can win in different ways — through outside shooting, defensive pressure, and clutch free throws.

UCA returns home Friday to host Queens for Senior Day at the Farris Center. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m., and the Bears will honor four seniors before the game.

With momentum on their side and confidence growing, Central Arkansas looks to keep its streak alive as postseason play approaches.