The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team secured a decisive 67-44 win over Samford to open the Georgia State Thanksgiving Tournament in Atlanta. With this victory, the Sugar Bears improved their season record to 3-2.
Central Arkansas established control early in the game, starting with a three-pointer by Shae Littleford on their first possession and maintaining the lead throughout. The team’s defense was effective in the opening quarter, limiting Samford to just four points on 1-for-13 shooting, marking the fewest points allowed by Central Arkansas in a first quarter this season.
Balanced scoring contributed to the win, with Shae Littleford, Bree Stephens, and Laylah Reese each recording 12 points. Ten different players scored for Central Arkansas. Bree Stephens set a career-high with seven assists, while Cheyanne Kemp also achieved a personal best with five assists.
Central Arkansas built an 18-point lead during the second quarter before both teams experienced a scoring drought. Despite some offensive struggles, Central Arkansas maintained defensive pressure and held Samford to 23 percent shooting in the first half.
The third quarter saw another strong start from Central Arkansas with a 16-3 run that extended their lead from seven to twenty points within four minutes. Four different players contributed during this stretch through paint scores and three-pointers. The Sugar Bears shot over 71 percent from the field in the third quarter and limited Samford’s offensive production.
In the final quarter, Kamryn Griffin increased the lead further with an early basket off an offensive rebound. With a comfortable margin, Central Arkansas rotated in bench players who continued to play solid defense.
Central Arkansas forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 23 points. They also outperformed Samford in points scored in the paint (26-6), second-chance opportunities (11-0), and bench points (26-19).
The Sugar Bears are scheduled to face Stony Brook next on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. CT.
