The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team narrowly lost to Missouri 78-71 in their season opener on Monday in Columbia, Missouri. The Sugar Bears introduced seven new players and came close to securing their first victory over a Power 4 opponent since 2017.
Shae Littleford led Central Arkansas with 17 points, followed by Cheyanne Kemp with 12, Bree Stephens with 11, and Jenna Cook with ten. Paris Santacaterina scored the team’s first basket of the season, helping the Sugar Bears keep pace with Missouri throughout the first quarter, which ended tied at 18-18.
During the second quarter, Missouri managed to build a five-point lead before Central Arkansas responded with consecutive scores. At halftime, Kemp was the leading scorer for both teams with nine points. A significant difference in free throw opportunities emerged early: Missouri had 15 attempts from the foul line while Central Arkansas had none.
In the third quarter, Littleford hit a three-pointer to give Central Arkansas a brief lead as both teams traded advantages across six straight possessions. By late in the third quarter, Missouri regained control but only held a five-point advantage heading into the final period.
Central Arkansas closed within one point early in the fourth quarter after back-to-back three-pointers. However, frequent trips to the free throw line allowed Missouri to maintain its edge. Despite trailing by nine midway through the final frame, Central Arkansas rallied—cutting it to three points and tying it at 71-71 after two free throws from Littleford. In the closing minutes, Missouri secured victory with a decisive 7-0 run.
Statistically, Central Arkansas outperformed Missouri in several areas: they made eight more field goals (28 compared to Missouri’s 20), three more three-pointers (8-5), committed fewer turnovers (seven versus thirteen), and outscored their opponents in the paint (32-28). The main disparity came at the free throw line—Missouri attempted 45 free throws compared to just twelve for Central Arkansas.
Central Arkansas will next play Lyon College at home on Friday at Farris Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
