CONWAY — Central Arkansas shot just 33.3 percent from the field, 10 percent from 3-point range and 54.2 percent from the free throw line on Saturday. But that turned out to be more than enough – thanks in large part to the Sugar Bears' effort on the defensive end – as they defeated Murray State 50-40 in the Farris Center. 

"It was ugly," said Central Arkansas head coach Sandra Rushing. "It was absolutely ugly. But we won, and we'll take an ugly win. We played exactly how we practiced this week – no focus, no energy. I'm happy to get the win, but we've got to get back to work and I've got to get their attention."

The Sugar Bears (4-1) won for the third straight game and scored their second win over the Racers (2-4) in a week, having won 61-51 last week in Murray, Ky. It also marked the second straight game the Sugar Bears have held their opponent to 40 or fewer points, having held Alcorn State to 35 on Tuesday.

On a day they struggled on the offensive end, the Sugar Bears made up for it with their defensive pressure, holding Murray State to just 29.3 percent shooting, including a 3-of-17 first half (17.6 percent) in which the Racers scored just 10 points. Though they bounced back with 30 in the second half, it was still a season-low point total for the Racers, who have averaged 45.5 points in two games against the Sugar Bears, but 82 in their other four games this season.

The Sugar Bears not only forced Murray State into difficult shots, they made it difficult for the Racers to – at times – even get shots, forcing 22 turnovers and allowing just seven offensive rebounds that MSU converted into only three second-chance points.

While it was a rough day overall for the Sugar Bears offensively, junior guard Brianna Mullins tallied 14 points on 4-for-9 shooting, her second-highest output of the season. She was the lone Sugar Bear to find the mark from 3-point range, making 1-for-2 while the rest of the team was a combined 0-for-8. Sophomore forward Taylor Baudoin came off the bench to add 8 points and 6 rebounds in 24 minutes, while senior forward Kendara Watts had 8 points and 5 rebounds, junior guard Maggie Proffitt had 7 points and 2 steals, and junior center Raquel Logan added 4 points and a team-high 8 rebounds 17 minutes.

Senior guard Jameka Watkins had 6 points, 5 rebounds and a team-high 3 steals, and junior guard Sandy Jackson added 3 point, 6 rebounds and a pair of assists.

"I thought MeMe (Watkins) did a good job today," Rushing said. "She played her role really well. And I love the way Sandy Jackson plays. She's so impressive, and she's so dadgum strong."

The 50 points and 33.3 field goal percentage were both the second-lowest of the season for the Sugar Bears, second only to 47 and 26.5 at 4th-ranked Tennessee two weeks ago. Fortunately, the Sugar Bears were able to corral 14 offensive rebounds and convert to 15 second-chance points, 12 more than the Racers.

"Our shot selection was really bad," Rushing said. "Especially early on. We're settling for any outside shot. It's a lack of focus. We've got to get better every game, every practice. We don't play until Thursday, but I can promise you we'll hit the ground running on Monday. This team has so much potential, but they aren't listening and sure not executing. We've got to go to work."

The Sugar Bears are back in the Farris Center on Thursday against Crowley's Ridge, then resume action after final exams on Dec. 13 at Southeast Missouri State.