WACO, Texas — The University of Central Arkansas women's basketball team opened the 2020-21 season on the road with a matchup with No. 4 Baylor on Wednesday. The Sugar Bears relied on a stingy defense in a hard-fought battle, but fell 82-37.
 
The UCA defense opened the game holding Baylor scoreless for the first 3:24 and did not surrender a field goal until nearly four minutes into the game. Lucy Ibeh played a key role in the stout defense early as she collected two steals. Her second steal led to a fast-break layup and forced Baylor to call an early time out just 45 seconds into the game. Ibeh, Jayla Cody, and Jalisa Outlaw each tallied two points for the bears in the first quarter.
 
The Sugar Bears' offense came to life in the second quarter as they matched Baylor with 14 points. ­Jalisa Outlaw led the UCA attack with seven points at the break. Central Arkansas was strong on the glass as Briana Trigg and Lucy Ibeh each secured five rebounds.
 
The Baylor offense came into the second half running on all cylinders and shot 64.7 percent from the field and outscored UCA 27-8 in the third quarter. The Baylor defense held the Sugar Bears to 17.6 percent from the field.
 
Baylor extended its lead in the fourth by outscoring UCA 21-9 and went on to win the game 82-37.
 
The Sugar Bears never gave up and continued to fight hard for the entirety of the game. Outlaw finished the game with a career-high nine points and shot a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Trigg finished with a team-high eight rebounds. Ibeh recorded a game-high five steals.
 
NaLyssa Smith led Baylor with a game-high 27 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
 
The Sugar Bears return to action on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m. UCA travels to Fort Worth for a matchup with TCU.
 
From the Coach – Head Coach Sandra Rushing
"We are excited just to be able to play the game again. Playing on the big stage was really good for our players to play up against those high caliber players. I've always respected Kim Mulkey. I told our team if anyone was scared to stay on the bus, because we're going in to represent UCA."

Follow the Sugar Bears
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram