CONWAY, Ark. _ With one streak ended, the University of Central Arkansas Bears hope to start another one Wednesday night when they host the Nicholls State Colonels at 7 p.m. at the Farris Center.
The Bears (6-9, 1-2) have strung together wins as well as losses this season. UCA lost three straight to open the season, then won five in a row, then turned around and lost six consecutive.
The Bears got back on the winning track with an impressive come-from-behind win over Northwestern State on Saturday in Natchitoches, La. It was UCA’s first win at Northwestern and only the second in 14 games against the Demons.
“I’m hoping that game gives our guys some confidence,’ said UCA head coach Corliss Williamson. “They came back from 17 points down in the second half and figured out how to win the game. We made some shots, hit some threes, blocked a couple of key shots late and then finally made some free throws.
“It was a really nice win for our guys, something we needed. Now I hope we can build on that.’
The Colonels (4-12, 0-4) come to town looking to break a losing streak of their own. Nicholls has lost five straight games, with their last victory coming on Dec. 16 against Dillard University. Two of their four Southland Conference losses were to the top two teams in the SLC West, UT Arlington and UTSA. They also lost to Northwestern State and Sam Houston State.
“Every team in our league is a dangerous team,’ said Williamson. “There are no easy games in the Southland. We have to be ready to play every night and have to play well every night to have a chance to win.’
The Bears had four players in double figures in the 77-73 win over Northwestern State, led by freshman guard Carlin Bremner, who had a career-high 17 points. Bremner made 5 of 7 from three-point range, which was more threes than he had the entire season after entering the game 3 for 22.
“Carlin stepped up big,’ said Williamson. “He’s a very good shooter and we need that from him every night. He had been struggling to find his way early in the season, but we’re hoping that gives him some confidence and he can be a bigger part of our offense the rest of the way.’
UCA shot 59.3 percent from the field in the second half, including 61.5 percent (8 of 13) from beyond the arc. Junior center Anthony Borden had two key blocked shots in the final minute and sophomore guard LaQuentin Miles made 4 of 4 from the free-throw line to seal it.
The Bears continue their homestand Saturday with a doubleheader with the Sugar Bears against Lamar University.
