UCA struggles inside in 80-57 road loss to ETSU

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Central Arkansas fell 80-57 on Saturday night in Johnson City, Tenn., as East Tennessee State pulled away in the second half to hand the Bears their fifth loss of the season.

UCA knocked down 13 three-pointers but struggled to match ETSU’s inside scoring, paint pressure and bench production.

The game opened with ETSU taking an early lead on a 3-pointer by Blake Barkley. The Bucs extended that lead when Cam Morris III scored back-to-back layups.

UCA answered quickly as Cole McCormick hit a 3-pointer at the 17:55 mark, closing the gap and helping the Bears settle into the game.

The first half was competitive, with both teams hitting shots from long range and trading scoring runs. UCA found space on the perimeter, while ETSU kept attacking inside. A late 3-pointer by senior guard Camren Hunter brought the Bears within striking distance at 37-30 with 16 seconds left before halftime.

Hunter’s basket extended his streak of scoring at least 10 points to seven straight games. ETSU responded just before the buzzer with a layup by Morris III, pushing the Bucs’ lead back to seven as the teams went into the break.

The second half shifted in ETSU’s favor almost immediately. Barkley opened with a dunk, set up by Morris III. ETSU’s defense tightened as the Bucs posted four blocks and six steals in the half. Their physical play inside limited UCA’s drives, and the Bears found fewer clean looks around the rim.

UCA continued to rely on outside shooting, but the Bucs kept answering with points in the paint. Taylor added a layup for ETSU at the 15:07 mark, extending the lead. The Bucs’ confidence grew as they controlled second-chance opportunities and pressured the Bears into turnovers.

The key second-half stretch came when ETSU guard Jaylen Smith hit multiple 3-pointers, including one that pushed the margin to 80-51 with a little more than three minutes left. ETSU’s bench outscored UCA’s 25-14 in the second half and provided the spark that allowed the Bucs to build separation.

Even with the loss, several Bears delivered strong individual efforts. Luke Moore led UCA with 13 points and hit three 3-pointers while also recording three assists. Hunter finished with 10 points, four rebounds and a perfect 2-for-2 showing from the free-throw line.

Forward Truman Byrne added 9 points and hit three threes, while pulling down seven rebounds and setting a new career high with four assists.

Still, overall shooting was a challenge for UCA.

The Bears finished the game at 31.7 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three. They made 75 percent of their free throws but had trouble sustaining long scoring stretches. ETSU won the rebounding battle 37-31 and held UCA to just 24 points in the paint.

Turnovers also played a role, with UCA committing 13. ETSU’s defensive pressure in the second half created extra possessions that helped the Bucs stretch their lead. Paint scoring was the biggest difference, as ETSU totaled 34 points inside and found consistent success driving to the basket.

UCA now sits at 3-5 overall. The Bears return home for a December 3 matchup with Little Rock at the Farris Center in Conway. It will be an opportunity to reset after back-to-back road games and look to regain momentum before moving deeper into the non-conference schedule.

Despite the setback, UCA continues to show growth in several areas, especially perimeter shooting and ball movement. The challenge remains finding more production near the rim and reducing scoring droughts that have slowed second-half progress at times this season.

With eight games played, the Bears have seen steady contributions from veterans like Hunter and emerging players such as Byrne, who is expanding his role.

The loss at ETSU highlighted the importance of interior play, something UCA will look to address as the Bears prepare for their next matchup. Strong three-point shooting kept them competitive early, but the Bucs’ physical presence proved too much down the stretch.

As UCA turns its attention to its upcoming home game, the team will aim to combine its perimeter strengths with improved rebounding and interior defense.

The next stretch of the schedule offers chances to refine both ends of the floor before entering conference play.

Key takeaways

• UCA hit 13 threes but struggled to counter ETSU’s 34 points in the paint.
• ETSU’s bench outscored UCA’s 25-14 in the second half, helping the Bucs pull away.
• Strong outings from Moore, Hunter and Byrne weren’t enough to overcome shooting and rebounding deficits.