CONWAY — Despite not playing at home in nearly a month, Central Arkansas didn't miss a beat in its return to the Farris Center, defending the home court in record fashion as the Sugar Bears overwhelmed Central Baptist College 99-21 on Tuesday.
The 21 points allowed breaks the school and Southland Conference record, previously set by the Sugar Bears in 2009 in a 65-22 win over Central Methodist.
"I'm very pleased with the way we came out of the gates," said UCA head coach Sandra Rushing. "I thought out focus and intensity was there. We kept our defensive intensity and played through a lot of mistakes on defense. I'm very happy to be back at home, happy with the effort, happy to get a win and it was great to see them having fun."
After four straight road games following their Nov. 9 season opener at home, the Sugar Bears (4-2) made the most of their return home as they put together their highest scoring output and margin of victory of the season, and fourth-largest margin of victory in program history.
Five Sugar Bears scored in double figures and four more scored five or more as the entire roster saw playing time. Megan Herbert scored a game-high 16 points in 22 minutes and grabbed eight rebounds to move into third in UCA history and fifth in Southland history with 1,178 for her career.
Britney Gowans had season highs of 14 points and nine rebounds, and added four assists and four steals. Courtney Duever had 14 points, eight rebounds and a career-high four blocks. Tracey Parsons came close to a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Desiree' Rogers chipped in with 10 points for Central Arkansas.
The Sugar Bears dominated every facet of the game, winning the rebounding battle 54-25, turnovers 23-9, blocks 7-1 and steals 12-5. UCA shot 56.8 percent while holding the Lady Mustangs to just 16 percent (8 of 50).
The Sugar Bears led 45-8 at the half, having held the Lady Mustangs to just 14.3 percent shooting, holding a 29-12 rebounding advantage and forcing CBC into 11 turnovers. They then blew it open with a 54-13 second half in which they shot 62.2 percent.
Central Arkansas will take to the road again as the Sugar Bears travel to Jonesboro this weekend as they play Arkansas State Saturday at 7:05 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
