CONWAY, Ark. – With two Power 5 opponents in the rear view, the Central Arkansas women's basketball team gears up for its home opener of the 2022-23 season. Taking on the Lindenwood Lions, the Sugar Bears play their first game in the Farris Center at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
 
Playing a Big 12 and an SEC team to start the season, the Sugar Bears open at home with an 0-2 record after Friday's defeat at Arkansas. Despite the final score, Central Arkansas had encouraging moments against the Razorbacks, as the team outrebounded a much bigger opponent for the majority of the first half, fighting for 50/50 balls and defending with focus and intensity.
 
Parris Atkins, a freshman from Bryant, Ark., has shown flashes in the opening pair of contests, leading the team in scoring for both games. Averaging 8.5 points per game, her ability to knife through defenses and her confidence in her shot will be a boon for the Sugar Bears as she adjusts to the speed of the college game.
 
Another newcomer that has shown bright spots early is Kierra Prim, Central Arkansas' leading rebounder thus far. Despite being undersized against the Razorbacks, her intensity and willingness to crash the boards led to a team-high nine boards, which she paired with six points on Friday. Her defensive effort also led to a steal and a block against Arkansas.
 
Lindenwood, joining the Division I ranks this season, opened its season with a 71-56 loss to Eastern Michigan last Monday. The Lions had two double-figure scorers against the Eagles, in Emily Benzschawel and Masun McWilliams, who scored 14 and 13 points, respectively. The pair combined for nine field goals, including a 5-of-6 showing from beyond the three-point arc.
 
Joining the OVC after moving up from Division II, Lindenwood was 11-16 last season, finishing 8-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The new league will see the Lions play opponents like Southeast Missouri State, Morehead State, UT-Martin and Tennessee State, among others.
 
Tip-off against the Lions is set for 7 p.m. at the Farris Center. It marks the final fall game of SAAC's food drives, with this game being designated for hygiene and baby supplies, although the Food Pantry is currently short on most items. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available here. Fans can also listen to the game on KUCA 91.3 The Bear.