CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women's basketball team opens the 2021-22 season with a road game against the Kansas State Wildcats Tuesday evening. Opening night marks the start of the Sugar Bears' 65^th season of women's basketball and first as a member of the ASUN. Tipoff in Manhattan, Kan., is set for 6:30 p.m. 
 
UCA starts anew with nine newcomers on its roster, with eight freshmen and one transfer. With six players returning to game action this season, the Sugar Bears bring back 49% of their minutes and 52% of their scoring from a season ago. 
 
The roster is headlined by Preseason All-ASUN forward Lucy Ibeh, who led the team in several categories last season. Ibeh led the Sugar Bears in scoring (12.8 ppg), rebounding (6.6 rpg) and steals, with 56 swipes, earning nods as Southland Newcomer of the Year, Southland All-Conference First Team and Southland All-Defensive Team. 
 
Also returning to action are freshmen Jayla Cody and Ruth Balogun, juniors Anita Payne and Carley Hudspeth, along with graduate students Savanna Walker and Hannah Langhi. Walker led the team in minutes played and assists last season, while Hudspeth led the Sugar Bears in triples. Cody, in just her first season of college basketball, led the team with 25 blocks, tied for the 19^th most in a career at UCA.
 
At the helm of the program is Sandra Rushing, entering her tenth season as head coach. With nine seasons under her belt, she ranks second in program history for wins as a coach, ending last season with a 13-14 record, Rushing has 167 victories to her name at UCA. In her illustrious coaching career that spans over 30 seasons, Rushing has accumulated 570 wins.
 
Kansas State opens the 2021-22 season after a 9-18 record in 2020-21, including a 3-15 record in Big 12 play. The Sugar Bears and Wildcats faced off last season, resulting in a 47-33 win for K-State in Conway. It marked the lone road win for the Wildcats on the year.
 
With eight returners for the Wildcats, Kansas State will be anchored by Big 12 All-Conference First Team center Ayoka Lee. Lee led K-State with 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, along with 49 blocks. Additionally, Kansas State returns Rachel Ranke, who led the team in made three-pointers and steals and Emilee Ebert, who led the squad in assists.
 
The Wildcats are led by Jeff Mittie, now in his eighth season at Kansas State. Mittie, a veteran head coach with almost 30 years' experience, has 125 wins at K-State, with 579 wins overall.
 
Tipoff against Kansas State is set for 6:30 p.m. in Manhattan, Kan. Live Stats can be found here, and will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.