Central Arkansas started its ASUN Conference schedule with a close 85-83 win over Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) at the Farris Center on Thursday. With this result, both teams hold identical overall records of 6-8, but Central Arkansas moves to 1-0 in conference play while FGCU falls to 0-1.
The game began with FGCU taking an early lead after Isaiah Malone scored the first basket, assisted by Michael Duax. Central Arkansas answered with a layup from Malchiah Marable, but FGCU kept control for most of the first half. A late surge from Central Arkansas included a three-pointer by Camren Hunter, who has now scored at least 17 points in six consecutive games. Despite this effort, FGCU led 40-37 at halftime.
In the second half, both teams traded leads frequently. Ty Robinson tied the game early with a three-pointer and went on to score at least 27 points for the second straight contest. Central Arkansas gained momentum through steady contributions from Hunter and Javion Guy-King, who has now scored at least 16 points in two consecutive games. In the final minutes, Robinson hit another crucial three-pointer to put Central Arkansas ahead 80-77. FGCU responded with a last-second dunk by Malone but could not overcome Central Arkansas’s advantage as solid free throw shooting and defensive rebounding secured the victory.
Robinson finished with 27 points—including seven three-pointers—and grabbed seven rebounds. Hunter added 17 points on perfect free throw shooting and matched his career-high with seven defensive rebounds. Guy-King contributed 16 points and six rebounds while Cole McCormick had 12 points without missing a field goal.
Central Arkansas will next host Stetson on Saturday, January 3rd in Conway.
