MANHATTAN, Kan. – Sugar Bear basketball did not get off to the start it wanted, falling in its opening game against Kansas State 40-103. Freshman Randrea Wright led the way offensively, scoring 17 points in her Central Arkansas debut. Lucy Ibeh added seven points and seven boards.
 
Central Arkansas struggled to find a rhythm offensively throughout the evening, unable to navigate the taller Wildcats defense, but showed moments of solid execution and a good ability to put the ball on the floor.
 
The bright spots for UCA came in the play of the young players, most notably Wright. The Birmingham, Ala., native's 17 points led the team, flashing dribble-drive ability and knifing through the defense on several occasions, picking up layups and drawing fouls. Despite the height difference between the teams, UCA pulled down 15 offensive rebounds, leading to seven second chance points.
 
Effort was evident even into the fourth quarter, as the Sugar Bears started the quarter with six quick points and drew multiple fouls. In all, eight of the ten Sugar Bears that played put points on the board, including six freshmen.
 
Next up for UCA is its home-opening game on Friday, as the Sugar Bears face in-town foe Hendrix College. Game time on Friday is set for 5 p.m. at the Farris Center.