UCA Outpaces Lions with Strong Second Half to Earn 81-60 Win

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas used a strong second half to pull away from North Alabama for an 81-60 victory Wednesday night at the Farris Center.

The Bears improved to 13-10 overall and 8-2 in ASUN Conference play, marking their sixth consecutive win. Central Arkansas outscored the Lions 41-21 after intermission, showing balanced scoring and effective ball movement.

North Alabama fell to 7-14 and 2-8 in the ASUN. The Lions jumped out to an early lead before UCA rallied to take control in the second half.

North Alabama opened the scoring with a layup by Corneilous Williams. But UCA responded quickly when Ty Robinson hit a 3-pointer with 19:05 left in the first half.

Luke Moore set up Javion Guy-King for a three at the 17:26 mark, helping the Bears build a 9-4 lead. Moore finished with seven assists, more than twice his season average, and keyed the team’s ball distribution throughout the game.

The Lions battled back, with Donte Bacchus answering with a layup at 16:04 to keep the game close. Near the end of the first half, Dallas Howell’s layup gave North Alabama a brief 39-36 lead.

UCA answered late in the opening half. Camren Hunter’s layup tied the game, and Tyler Lee added another to give the Bears a 40-39 lead at the break.

Second Half Breaks Game Open

Central Arkansas came out strong after halftime, opening with a 9-0 run. Hunter’s layup started the stretch, assisted by Moore, who also hit a three to extend the advantage.

The Bears maintained momentum with a 15-7 run that pushed the lead to 56-48. The team’s offense was more efficient in the second half, including 14 three-point field goals — above its season average of 10.8 — and continued ball movement that led to open shots.

A late 3-pointer by Harrison Beauchamp helped the Bears build a comfortable cushion, and UCA held on for the final score.

UCA Standouts

Moore led the Bears with 15 points, seven assists and two steals. Robinson added 12 points with seven rebounds and three steals. Cole McCormick scored 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Guy-King contributed 12 points, going 4-for-7 from beyond the arc and grabbing four rebounds.

Camren Hunter also played a vital role with multiple scoring bursts that helped shift momentum toward UCA.

The Bears recorded at least 19 assists for the second straight game, showing a team emphasis on sharing the ball.

Looking Ahead

Central Arkansas will travel to Nashville to face Lipscomb on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Bears look to continue their winning streak and stay atop the ASUN standings.