CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas (3-4, 0-0 ASUN) secured a decisive 81-60 victory over Eastern Illinois (2-4, 0-0 OVC) on Tuesday night at the Farris Center. This win marked the first time since 2019 that the Bears have won back-to-back games at home against Division 1 competition. The Bears capitalized on turnovers, scoring 26 points off the Panthers' errors.
Central Arkansas opened the first half aggressively, taking an early lead.
Camren Hunter sparked the Bears with a 3-pointer at 17:54, followed quickly by a layup to extend the lead. Hunter's consistent scoring is part of a streak where he has scored at least 19 total points in two consecutive games.
Ty Robinson contributed with solid free-throw shooting and a fast-break layup, pushing the score further in the home team's favor. Robinson has also been on a scoring streak, having scored at least 18 points in two consecutive games. By the end of the half, the Bears led 43-26, capitalizing on the Panthers' turnovers and Hunter's consistent scoring.
Eastern Illinois opened the second half strongly with a 3-pointer from Preston Turner at 19:42, narrowing the gap to 29-43. Central Arkansas responded with Robinson's fast-break 3-pointer and tip-in, extending their lead to 50-31 by the 17:48 mark. Zion Fruster led the Panthers with 14 points in the half, keeping them competitive, while
Cole McCormick netted a late layup and free throw, contributing to the Bears' 79-57 advantage. The home team maintained control, closing the game with a decisive 81-60 victory.
Camren Hunter
- 19 points
- 7/10 field goals made
- 4/6 three-pointers made
Ty Robinson
- 18 points
- 5/7 free throws made
- 7 rebounds
Javion Guy-King
- 10 points
- 4/4 field goals made
- 2 steals
Malchiah Marable
- 5 points
- 2 blocks
- 9 rebounds
Luke Moore
- 8 points
- 8 assists (a career-high)
- 3 steals
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will travel to face East Tennessee State on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 3 p.m. CT in Johnson City, Tennessee.
