The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team is preparing to face Eastern Kentucky on Saturday at the Farris Center. The Sugar Bears, with a 9-6 overall record and 2-1 in ASUN play, are coming off a decisive win against Bellarmine. In that game, Central Arkansas set several program records, including their largest margin of victory over a Division I opponent, defeating Bellarmine by 56 points. Shae Littleford and Cheyanne Kemp each scored 17 points, while Laylah Reese contributed 14 and Jenna Cook added 11. The team recorded 25 assists on 30 field goals and held Bellarmine under ten points in three out of four quarters.
With this recent win, Central Arkansas improved to a 32-3 home record under head coach Tony Kemper. The Sugar Bears have allowed an average of only 40 points per game at home across four games this season.
Since joining the ASUN Conference, Central Arkansas has an even record against Eastern Kentucky, standing at 4-4 since the 2021-22 season. While Eastern Kentucky dominated early meetings, Central Arkansas has won the last three matchups, including an ASUN Championship Semifinal in 2024. Last year’s contest in Richmond was closely contested, with the Sugar Bears securing a four-point road victory.
Eastern Kentucky enters Saturday’s game with a 12-4 overall record and is undefeated in conference play at 3-0. The Colonels average 76 points per game and recently staged a comeback against North Alabama, winning 80-78 after trailing by double digits at halftime. Liz Freihofer led all scorers with 26 points in that game, including 14 in the fourth quarter.
Freihofer leads Eastern Kentucky with an average of 14.4 points per game and ranks fifth in the ASUN Conference. She has averaged 18.3 points over the first three conference games and has reached double figures in all but two games this season. Joseana Vaz, a transfer from Colorado State, also averages double digits with 13.4 points per game and leads the team with an average of 7.4 rebounds.
Tip-off for Saturday’s matchup is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Farris Center. The game will be available via ESPN+ streaming service and live stats will be provided online. Fans can also follow along on The Bear 91.3 radio station with Steve Owens providing commentary.
