DENTON, Texas — Central Arkansas (1-4) fell to North Texas (4-2), 74-56, on Thursday night at the Super Pit. Despite a strong showing with 13 offensive rebounds, the Bears could not overcome the Mean Green's defensive pressure, which resulted in 19 turnovers.
Central Arkansas and North Texas opened the game with a closely contested first half.
Camren Hunter gave the Bears an early boost with a 3-pointer at 18:57, followed by
Malchiah Marable's successful three-point play, establishing a 6-0 lead. North Texas responded with a layup from Reece Robinson and a free throw by Dylan Arnett to narrow the gap.
Cole McCormick's three-pointer at the 16:50 mark extended Central Arkansas's lead, but North Texas went on a run, tying the game at 11 with 13:02 remaining, thanks to Cole Franklin's 3-pointer. The half concluded with the Mean Green edging ahead, 28-26, after a late tip-in by Josiah Shackleford with 56 seconds left.
North Texas extended its lead in the second half with a strong offensive performance, outscoring the Bears 46-30. Dylan Arnett contributed significantly, securing key rebounds and adding crucial points, including a fast-break dunk at the 7:16 mark. Je'Shawn Stevenson was active on both ends, converting free throws and making a layup to push the lead further. Central Arkansas attempted to rally, with Hunter hitting a three-pointer to narrow the gap to 35-32 at 16:18, but North Texas maintained control, sealing their advantage with consistent scoring and defensive stands.
Camren Hunter
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- 12 points
- 4/6 free throws made
- 2 steals
Cole McCormick
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- 6 points
- 8 rebounds
- 2 steals
Malchiah Marable
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- 5 points
- 3 blocks
- 4 rebounds
In their next game, Central Arkansas will host Eastern Washington on Sunday, Nov. 23. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at the Farris Center in Conway, Arkansas.
