The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team achieved a historic victory over Bellarmine University, defeating the Knights 85-29 at the Farris Center. The win brings the Sugar Bears’ record to 9-6 overall and 2-1 in ASUN conference play.
This result marks several program milestones for Central Arkansas. It is their largest margin of victory against a Division I opponent, their biggest win over a conference rival, and they set a new school record with 17 three-pointers made in a game against a Division I team.
Bellarmine entered the contest with a limited roster, which contributed to Central Arkansas quickly establishing control. Cheyanne Kemp and Shae Littleford started the scoring with consecutive three-point shots. By the end of the first quarter, Central Arkansas led 20-7 after hitting five three-pointers and forcing nine turnovers from Bellarmine.
The Sugar Bears intensified their defensive pressure in the second quarter, causing eight more turnovers—seven of them live-ball—which translated into 11 fast break points. Offensively, they also found success inside, adding ten points in the paint during this period. Defensively, they limited Bellarmine to just four points on 1-for-11 shooting in the second quarter; this was the fewest points allowed by Central Arkansas in a quarter against a Division I opponent this season. At halftime, Shae Littleford led all scorers with 12 points.
Central Arkansas maintained its outside shooting momentum after halftime by converting their first five attempts from beyond the arc in the third quarter and extending their lead past 40 points. The team finished that period with 14 total three-pointers.
In the fourth quarter, starters played about half before being substituted out as reserves continued to apply defensive pressure. Laylah Reese made her fourth three-pointer late in regulation, helping set a new single-game record for threes made against Division I competition by surpassing last season’s mark of 16.
Alivia Cox scored her first basket for Central Arkansas late in the game to secure the final margin of victory at 56 points.
With this result, Central Arkansas remains undefeated at home this season and has compiled a home record of 32-3 under head coach Tony Kemper. The Sugar Bears will host Eastern Kentucky University next Saturday at Farris Center as ASUN conference play continues.
