Despite holding a lead for much of the second half, the Central Arkansas women’s basketball team lost 96-86 in overtime to Jacksonville on Thursday night.
The Sugar Bears, now with a 9-8 overall record and 2-3 in ASUN play, saw strong performances from several players. Jenna Cook scored a career-high 21 points, while Cheyanne Kemp added 20. Shae Littleford contributed 18 points, and Bree Stephens recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The team made 15 three-pointers during the game, including five each from Kemp and Cook.
Three-point shooting played a key role early in the game as all four of Central Arkansas’s field goals in the first quarter came from beyond the arc. Jacksonville responded by scoring inside and at the free throw line to take a two-point lead after one quarter.
The teams traded leads throughout the second quarter, with neither side gaining more than a five-point advantage. A late three-pointer by Littleford followed by Laylah Reese’s jumper gave Central Arkansas a four-point halftime lead. Kemp led all scorers at halftime with 12 points.
In the third quarter, Cook scored eight points and hit two three-pointers as Central Arkansas maintained its advantage. However, Jacksonville kept pace and tied the game late in the period before another Cook three-pointer helped restore a four-point Sugar Bears lead heading into the fourth.
Central Arkansas extended its lead to ten early in the final quarter after consecutive threes from Cook but could not hold off Jacksonville’s comeback. The Dolphins steadily reduced the deficit and forced overtime after splitting free throws with less than one second remaining in regulation.
In overtime, Jacksonville outscored Central Arkansas to secure the win at home.
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will try to rebound when they face North Florida on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT.
