The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team secured an 82-75 victory against Grambling State on Saturday afternoon in Grambling, Louisiana. The win brings the Sugar Bears’ season record to 7-3 and marks their sixth victory in the last seven games.
Jenna Cook led Central Arkansas with 16 points in her first career start. Cheyanne Kemp contributed 15 points, while Bree Stephens and Shae Littleford each scored 13 points. Stephens also recorded two blocks during the game, which ties her for second place in program history with a total of 142 career blocks. She now needs one more block to move into sole possession of second place on the all-time list.
The opening minutes saw both teams struggle to score due to turnovers. After trading baskets, Stephens hit a three-pointer that gave Central Arkansas a four-point lead, followed by Paris Santacaterina’s fast-break layup to extend it to seven points late in the first quarter. Both defenses tightened up as neither team scored in the final minutes of the period, leaving Central Arkansas ahead 17-10 after one quarter.
Grambling State responded early in the second quarter by erasing the deficit and keeping pace with Central Arkansas throughout most of the period. Despite challenges maintaining their lead, the Sugar Bears managed to stay ahead by converting free throws and scoring inside. With less than twenty seconds left before halftime, Julianna Gibson’s layup put Central Arkansas up by five points; however, Grambling State answered with a three-pointer just before halftime to close within two points.
The Tigers took control early in the third quarter with consecutive three-pointers that gave them their first lead of the night. Stephens and Cook quickly responded for Central Arkansas, combining for nine straight points at the start of the half. The teams exchanged leads until Kemp’s three-pointer put Central Arkansas up by four entering the fourth quarter.
Central Arkansas increased its defensive intensity in the final period. Stephens opened with a layup and Kemp added three quick scores—including a three-pointer—to push their lead to nine midway through the fourth quarter. Although turnovers allowed Grambling opportunities late, strong defense helped maintain control while seniors Stephens and Littleford made key free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Central Arkansas will continue its road trip next week when they face Louisiana Tech on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
