CONWAY, Ark. – Facing the highest-volume three-point shooting team in the country, the Sugar Bears couldn't match the sheer number of triples, falling to the No. 20/22 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 71-44 on Thursday.
 
Lucy Ibeh notched her 10^th double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. It marked the first season a Sugar Bear has accumulated 10 double-doubles since Courtney Duever in 2013-14. Hannah Langhi scored 12 points, hitting double-figure scoring for the 12^th time this year.
 
The threes started early and often by the Eagles, accounting for their first three baskets. Jayla Cody and the Sugar Bears kept it close, however, attacking the basket and earning free throws to keep it 6-5 after the first few minutes of the game. FGCU, however, continued to launch from three, building an eight-point lead after one.
 
FGCU continued to hit three-pointers, connecting on five more in the second quarter. Though the Sugar Bears attacked the offensive glass, snaring six extra possessions, Central Arkansas couldn't find the bottom of the net often enough, falling behind 44-25 at the half. Ibeh finished the first half with 10 points and six rebounds, knocking down four free throws in the process.
 
Central Arkansas made halftime adjustments, resulting in the defense closing out on shooters better in the third quarter. FGCU shot just 25 percent from deep in the period, in stark contrast to the first half, in which the team shot 36 percent. Offensively, the Sugar Bears took what the defense gave them, driving into the paint and taking smart midrange jumpers, equaling the scoring of the Eagles in the third. Langhi eclipsed the double-figure mark with six points in the quarter, while Ibeh hit the double-digit mark in rebounds, earning the double-double before the third quarter came to a close.
 
Both teams went to their benches for the final period as the Eagles closed out the game, notching their 20^th win on the season.
 
Central Arkansas had advantages on the glass and at the charity stripe against Florida Gulf Coast, outrebounding the visitors by eight rebounds while hitting five more free throws.
 
The Sugar Bears will remain at home for the next game on the docket, playing host to Stetson on Saturday. Game time against the Hatters is scheduled for 1 p.m.