The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team secured its sixth consecutive victory with a 67-63 win over Austin Peay at the Farris Center on Wednesday night. The result brings Central Arkansas’ record to 17-10 overall and 10-5 in ASUN conference play, keeping the Sugar Bears in contention for a top-four seed in the upcoming ASUN Championship.
Jenna Cook and Cheyanne Kemp led Central Arkansas with 14 points each, while Shae Littleford contributed 12 points and Bree Stephens added 11. The Sugar Bears focused on limiting Austin Peay’s offensive rebounding, allowing only nine extra possessions and just three second-chance points. In contrast, Central Arkansas collected 17 offensive rebounds, resulting in nine second-chance points of their own.
The first quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, remaining tied at low scores until midway through the period. Central Arkansas finished the quarter strong, taking an eight-point lead after a late three-pointer by Paris Santacaterina.
Austin Peay narrowed the gap early in the second quarter but could not overtake Central Arkansas. Free throws and a layup from Cook extended the lead before Stephens hit a three-pointer near halftime to give the Sugar Bears a ten-point advantage at the break. At halftime, Stephens led all scorers with nine points, along with three assists and two blocks. Julianna Gibson’s four offensive rebounds helped maintain possession for Central Arkansas.
Kemp scored early in the third quarter to increase the lead to twelve points. Both teams traded runs throughout the period, with Austin Peay reducing the deficit to six late in the third before Linda Amaning scored inside for Central Arkansas. Free throws kept the home team’s lead at eight entering the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, both offenses improved as Austin Peay cut into Central Arkansas’ lead but never managed to close within four points. As Austin Peay increased defensive pressure late in the game, fouls sent Central Arkansas players to the free throw line frequently. The Sugar Bears converted 9-of-13 free throws in the fourth quarter to secure their win.
Cook, Kemp, and Littleford each scored seven points during the final period, helping seal victory for Central Arkansas.
With three games left in their regular season schedule, Central Arkansas will next face West Georgia on Saturday in Carrollton at 1 p.m. CT.
