The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team lost to Stetson 70-64 on Saturday afternoon, despite a strong second-half effort. The game took place in Conway, Arkansas, and the result moved the Sugar Bears to an overall record of 11-10 and 4-5 in ASUN conference play.
Bree Stephens and Shae Littleford led Central Arkansas with 15 points each, while Cheyanne Kemp contributed 14 points. The Sugar Bears outscored Stetson by 12 points in the second half but were unable to overcome the first-half deficit.
Central Arkansas began the game with three-pointers from Paris Santacaterina and Kemp, giving them an early lead. However, Stetson responded with a 9-0 run and capitalized on five turnovers by Central Arkansas in the first quarter, converting them into eight of their 11 points for that period. By halftime, Central Arkansas trailed by 18 points—only the sixth time this season they have been behind after two quarters.
In the second half, Central Arkansas improved their shooting percentage to 54 percent. Stephens was perfect from the field during this stretch, making all four attempts—including two three-pointers—and hitting three free throws. Littleford also contributed a five-point swing that helped cut into Stetson’s lead. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Julianna Gibson scored twice consecutively to reduce the deficit to six points. A fast-break layup by Kemp brought Central Arkansas within four points before Stetson secured back-to-back scores to seal their win.
Central Arkansas is scheduled to play its next game at Queens in Charlotte on Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT.
