The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team ended Eastern Kentucky University’s unbeaten run in the ASUN conference with a 60-48 victory on Thursday night in Richmond, Kentucky. This win marks the fourth consecutive game in which the Sugar Bears have held their opponents to fewer than 50 points.
With this result, Central Arkansas improves its record to 15-10 overall and 8-5 in ASUN play. The team is now tied for third place in the conference standings, trailing second place by just one game.
Shae Littleford led Central Arkansas with 18 points. Cheyanne Kemp contributed 14 points, while Bree Stephens recorded five points, six rebounds, and a season-high six blocks.
Littleford started the scoring for Central Arkansas. The Sugar Bears built their lead with a strong defensive effort, including a 9-0 run capped by a Laylah Reese three-pointer. In the first quarter, they held EKU to 25 percent shooting and forced five turnovers.
Central Arkansas extended its lead early in the second quarter with an 8-0 run. Stephens and Littleford each made three-pointers to push the advantage to as much as 22 points before halftime. EKU narrowed the gap slightly before halftime but still trailed by 18 at the break.
In the second half, EKU managed to reduce Central Arkansas’s lead to nine at one point. However, Jenna Cook responded with a three-pointer that helped restore momentum for the Sugar Bears. Linda Amaning added another score in the paint to increase their advantage.
During the fourth quarter, Central Arkansas maintained control despite efforts from EKU to close the gap. Paris Santacaterina and Cook both hit key three-pointers that kept EKU from mounting a comeback. Late scores by EKU reduced the deficit to 12 points, but it was not enough.
Central Arkansas will return to action on Saturday against Bellarmine University in Louisville. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
