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RICHMOND, Ky. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears nearly knocked off the Eastern Kentucky Colonels last month at the Farris Center, losing 77-75 on Jan. 5.

The Bears (9-18, 4-10) get another shot on Thursday night, taking on the Colonels (17-10, 10-4) at 6:30 p.m. (CT) at EKU's Baptist Health Arena.

The Bears used a furious second-half rally to nearly pull off the win the first time, outscoring the Colonels 43-28 in the second half. UCA was down by 23 points in the opening minute of the second half but shot 56.7 percent from the field, and made 6 of 13 from three-point range, in the final 20 minutes.

EKU shot 61.8 percent from the field in the first half but just 35.3 percent in the second half.

Sophomore Camren Hunter led the Bears with 25 points, while redshirt freshman V.J. Reeves added 16 points, going 4 of 8 from three-point range. 

Devontae Blanton led the Colonels with 22 points, taking 22 field goal attempts. EKU won the rebounding battle 43-32, including 16 offensive rebounds.

The Bears are coming off a big 76-69 home victory over Austin Peay last Saturday afternoon, one in which senior Eddy Kayouloud had his second straight double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Bears have four remaining regular-season games, including a first matchup with Bellarmine in Louisville, Ky,, on Sunday, and two home games against Jacksonville State (Feb. 22) and Kennesaw State (Feb. 24).

The Colonels are in third place in the ASUN standings, despite coming off an 83-73 loss at league-leader Liberty on Saturday. Prior to that, EKU had won four consecutive games.

UCA won the only other meeting between the teams played in Richmond a year ago and holds a 2-1 edge in the series after sweeping EKU last season.

The top 10 teams receive bids to the ASUN Conference Tournament, which begins at campus sites on Monday, Feb. 27.

Thursday's game will be carried live on The Bear 91.3, 92.7 Jack FM and on ESPN+.