UCA rolls past Eastern Washington 92-65 with turnover edge

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas built the lead early and held it throughout Saturday night, turning consistent defensive pressure into a 92-65 win over Eastern Washington at the Farris Center.

UCA forced 22 turnovers and turned them into 38 points, controlling the pace from the opening minutes and improving to 2-4.

The Bears set the tone immediately. A tip-in by Malchiah Marable opened the scoring, and minutes later, freshman guard Harrison Beauchamp buried a corner three off a pass from Ty Robinson to extend the lead to 11-0.

Eastern Washington didn’t score until more than five minutes in, struggling to get comfortable against UCA’s pressure.

The Eagles’ first-half scoring came in short spurts — a layup from Stratton Rogers and a later three from Johnny Radford — but the Bears kept dictating tempo.

UCA moved the ball cleanly, switched effectively on defense and took a 45-27 lead into halftime after holding Eastern Washington to 37 percent shooting.

Bears coach John Shulman has emphasized cleaner starts and better energy, and the Bears reflected that message early. UCA limited fouls, forced tough shots and pushed the ball whenever the Eagles were slow getting back on defense.

UCA adds to margin in second half

The Bears picked up where they left off after halftime. UCA opened the second half with a quick scoring stretch, starting with a driving layup from Camren Hunter and continuing with a transition three from Robinson that pushed the lead to 52-27.

Eastern Washington tried to speed up the game, but the Bears kept ball movement steady and avoided extended droughts.

Hunter led UCA with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting and added two steals. Robinson followed with 18 points, hit four three-pointers and grabbed five steals, turning several defensive plays into fast-break points.

The Bears also received strong support from their rotation. UCA guard Luke Moore scored 12 with three assists, and forward Cole McCormick added 11, highlighted by a transition three that extended the lead in the final minutes.

UCA shot 54.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from three. The Bears also kept the turnover count low with just 12, preventing Eastern Washington from gaining momentum through extra possessions.

Bears control stat sheet

The full box score reflected UCA’s advantage:

• Field goals — UCA 54.8%, EWU 37.3%

• Three-pointers — UCA 50%, EWU 34.3%

• Turnovers — EWU 22, UCA 12

• Steals — Bears 14, EWU 6

• Rebounds — EWU 37, UCA 35

Even with the small rebounding edge for Eastern Washington, the Bears controlled transition opportunities and limited second-chance scoring.

UCA’s spacing and quick rotations prevented the Eagles from getting comfortable inside or from the perimeter.

The Bears return home Tuesday to host Eastern Illinois. UCA enters the matchup with momentum after one of its most complete defensive performances of the season and improved perimeter efficiency.

Three key takeaways

• UCA’s 22 forced turnovers and 14 steals shaped the game.

• The Bears’ backcourt duo of Hunter and Robinson combined for 37 points and steady defensive pressure.

• Eastern Washington never found consistency offensively due to turnovers and UCA’s pace.