CONWAY — Central Arkansas won its fourth straight game on Thursday, ending its three-game homestand in convincing fashion with a 93-38 victory over Crowley's Ridge College in the Farris Center.
The Sugar Bears (5-1) held CRC (2-7) to just seven first-quarter points in building a 41-21 halftime lead, then found their stride in the 3rd quarter with 30 points on their way to a 52-point half as they reached their highest point total of the season and most since getting 98 against Central Baptist in November of 2013.
The 38 points given up marked the third straight game the Sugar Bears have allowed 40 or less, giving up an average of 37.7 points per game during their last three in the Farris Center, and 41.4 per game in their five wins on the season.
Central Arkansas dominated nearly every aspect of the game, forcing a season-high 27 turnovers which led to 29 points, out-rebounded the Lady Pioneers 46-26, and outscored CRC 52-4 in the paint. The Sugar Bears shot 66.7 percent in the second half, finishing the game at 54.5 percent, while holding CRC to just 20.9 percent.
In a game in which all 12 players scored, the Sugar Bears got 54 points from the bench – led by Olivia McWilliams' 21, nine more than she'd scored in her previous six collegiate games combined. McWilliams also added five rebounds and two assists and had no turnovers in 23 minutes.
On the interior, Raquel Logan had her second double-double of the season, getting a career-high 17 points and just missed a career high with 13 rebounds, one off her total at Murray State earlier this season. Off the bench, freshman Tieraney Paylor added 9 points and 9 rebounds, both the high marks for her this season, in 15 minutes. Fellow freshman Rakia Lane added 8 points and 4 assists, though also committed a game-high 6 turnovers in 20 minutes. Sandy Jackson pitched in with 7 assists (the most for a Sugar Bear in a game this season), 6 points, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Hannah Kirk led CRC with 11 points and 4 rebounds.
The Sugar Bears will take a break from play next week for final exams, then resume on Dec. 13 at Southeast Missouri State. After a Dec. 15 game in the Farris Center against Central Baptist College, they'll travel to North Florida where they'll play Campbell and South Carolina State in the Osprey Classic on Dec. 19 and 20, then wrap up non-conference play Dec. 29 back at home against Jarvis Christian.
