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CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears have two shots at defending their home court this week, hosting Austin Peay on Thursday night and Lipscomb on Saturday afternoon as the ASUN Conference season begins to wind down.

The Bears and Governors will tip-off at approximately 7:30 Thursday, following the Sugar Bears' game with Bellarmine. UCA will be attempting to avenge a 94-71 loss to APSU on the road back on Jan. 20 in Clarksville, Tenn. In that game, the home team shot 54.5 percent from the field, made 10 three-pointers and had three players with at least 20 points.

UCA shot 44.4 percent and had just two players in double figures, both off the bench. Graduate Daniel Sofield scored 19 points and junior Elias Cato had 16 points and 8 rebounds. The 94 points the second-most allowed by the Bears in ASUN play this season.

The Governors lead the overall series 2-1, with the Bears winning the only meeting played in Conway last February. UCA won 76-69 on Feb. 11, 2023, with the Bears holding the Governors to 38-percent shooting, including 6 of 22 from three-point range.

APSU (13-13, 6-5) has the top-ranked defense in the conference, allowing just 69.8 points per game. The Governors also have the sixth-best scorer in the league in Demarcus Sharp, who averages 17.3 points per game. Sharp is also No. 3 in assists (4.7 per game) and No. 6 in rebounding (6.9). The Governors, who are 10-1 at home but just 2-11 on the road, have won three consecutive games, all at home, over North Florida (overtime), Kennesaw State and Queens.

The UCA defense has also been solid over the past two weeks, allowing an average of 69.6 points in its last three games, including one that went into overtime. The Bears are coming off a 79-77 road victory over North Florida, which was in third place entering the game and had a 10-3 record at home. 

UCA shot 51.6 percent from the field against the Ospreys, its second-best shooting day of the season. All five starters scored in double figures, led by Cato and senior Masai Olowokere with 14 points each. UCA held UNF to 41.1-percent shooting, despite making 13 three-pointers.

The Bears are 5-6 in ASUN play with five conference games remaining, three at home and two on the road. Ten of the 12 ASUN teams make the field for the tournament, which begins Monday, March 4 at campus sites.