The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team began their home season with a decisive 115-43 victory over Lyon College at the Farris Center on Friday night. This marks the third time in two seasons that the Sugar Bears have scored more than 100 points in a game, and the 11th time in program history they have reached at least 110 points.
Central Arkansas, now holding a 1-1 record, established control early in the first quarter by turning defensive pressure into offensive opportunities. Cheyanne Kemp led all scorers with a career-high 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including three three-pointers. She was joined in double figures by Shae Littleford (16 points), Bree Stephens (14), Layla Reese (14), and Emerie Bohanon (13). Stephens also contributed five steals and three blocks in under 12 minutes of play.
After both teams exchanged three-point shots to start the game, Central Arkansas went on a seven-point run to take an early lead. By midway through the first quarter, substitutes maintained momentum by forcing turnovers and scoring quickly. At the end of the first period, Central Arkansas led by 22 points after Alexis Cox converted a steal into a layup. Nine players had already scored for Central Arkansas within ten minutes.
The second quarter saw continued defensive intensity from Central Arkansas, leading to more turnovers and scores. The lead increased steadily, reaching as much as 38 before halftime. The Sugar Bears entered halftime with 61 points—their highest-scoring half since January of last year.
In the third quarter, Central Arkansas quickly extended its advantage to over 50 points by scoring 13 of the first 14 points after halftime. The defense added eight more steals for an additional dozen points. Kemp scored all of her third-quarter attempts—18 points total—outscoring Lyon’s entire team during that frame.
Layla Reese’s jumper early in the fourth quarter put Central Arkansas past the century mark and expanded their lead further. In the final period, bench players—including four former Conway Wampus Cats: Bohanon, Alexis Cox, Alivia Cox, and Kaidyn Beckwith—shared court time and helped maintain defensive stops while adding to the score.
Central Arkansas will next travel to face Arkansas at Bud Walton Arena on Monday at 8 p.m.
