WASHINGTON, D.C. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears held their own against the Big East Georgetown Hoyas on Saturday before falling 89-78 at Capital One Arena.

UCA (1-2) had four players in double figures, led by 21 points from junior center Hayden Koval, but could never quite get over the hump against the Big East Hoyas, coached by Patrick Ewing. The Hoyas shot 50 percent from the field overall and outrebounded the Bears 55-31. UCA kept it close by hitting a season-high 12 three-pointers and forcing 19 turnovers. 

"I was really proud of their effort,' said UCA head coach Russ Pennell. "I thought they took a big step between last Tuesday (loss at Baylor). Georgetown is good. When you see them in person, they're impressive. And I thought we stood toe to toe with them. If we would have rebounded a little better, I think we would have been right there. That's an area we have to get better at. We can certainly improve on that. 

"But I loved our intensity and loved out heart today. I thought that part of it was definitely a winning effort.'

Even though they never led, the Bears were within striking distance for most of the first half, trailing only 33-31 at the 6:42 mark and 42-39 with 3:33 left. But the Hoyas put together a scoring spurt to push their lead to 54-42 at the break.

"If we could have kept the thing around 5-6 points at the half, it might have been a little bit different,' said Pennell. "But I hope our guys understand, it's about us getting better right now, and executing what we do, and not so much about everyone else. If we do that, we'll keep growing as a group. A really good performance today and I'm proud of that. 

"Very disappointed we lost. I told them, we never want to accept that, but you can still be proud of your effort and how you played in stretches.'

The Bears played the second half without starting point guard DeAndre Jones due to a leg injury, but still kept it close with the help of two freshmen guards, Lewis McDaniel and Collin Cooper. 

"I think a lot of that has to do with guys being ready for the opportunity,' said Pennell. "We've got to mature these young guys and get them ready for later on. So the ultimate goal was not to beat Georgetown, it's a little bit bigger for us when we get to conference play.

"The fact that we could absorb a loss of DeAndre Jones and still not miss a beat, that shows our depth. I'm really proud of those two freshmen guards (Lewis McDaniel, Collin Cooper).'

Koval, a junior from Prosper, Texas, hit 4 of 5 from three-point range and added 4 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Sophomore Eddy Kayouloud added 15 points and 6 rebounds, while redshirt freshman Jaxson Baker came off the bench and hit four (of 9) three pointers for 12 points. 

"I think sometimes we might want too much out of Hayden,' said Pennell. "We'd like to see him get a few more rebounds, and maybe he should, but I think he prevents a lot of rebounds, too. He boxes out pretty good. If there was one criticism, I don't think we went to him enough in that second half. We kept harping on trying to get him the ball, but sometimes that's easier said than done. It looks good on a dry erase board but doesn't always make it to the court.

"I thought he had a fantastic game. He's certainly someone we're going to depend on.'

The road trip continues with a matchup with Top 5 Duke on Tuesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.