JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Central Arkansas fell to ETSU, 80-57, on Saturday night at Freedom Hall. The Bears made 13 three-pointers but were unable to overcome ETSU's 34 points in the paint.
The game opened with an early 3-pointer by Blake Barkley, assisted by Brian Taylor, giving the Buccaneers a quick lead. Cam Morris III extended ETSU's advantage with consecutive layups, but Central Arkansas responded with a 3-pointer from
Cole McCormick at the 17:55 mark. The teams traded leads frequently, highlighted by a series of 3-pointers from both sides. Central Arkansas'
Camren Hunter, who has recorded at least 10 total points in 7 consecutive games, narrowed the deficit with a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left, but Morris III sealed the first half for ETSU with a layup at the buzzer. The home team led 37-30 heading into the second half.
ETSU maintained their lead throughout the second half, opening with a quick dunk by Barkley at 19:42, assisted by Morris III. The Buccaneers' defense was strong, totaling four blocks and six steals, with Taylor contributing on both ends, including a layup at 15:07. Jaylen Smith led a scoring surge for the Buccaneers, hitting multiple 3-pointers, the last of which extended their lead to 80-51 at the 3:22 mark. The Bears found some rhythm late, with
Tyler Lee scoring consecutive layups and free throws, but ETSU's bench depth proved decisive, outscoring Central Arkansas's bench 25-14, securing a 43-point second-half scoring performance.
Luke Moore
- 13 points
- 3/7 three-pointers made
- 3 assists
Camren Hunter
- 10 points
- 2/2 free throws made
- 4 rebounds
Truman Byrne
- 9 points
- 3/6 three-pointers made
- 7 rebounds
- Recorded a career-high and season-high 4 assists
Javion Guy-King
- 5 points
- 2 steals
- 3 assists
Up next for the Bears is a home match-up against Little Rock on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The game is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. at the Farris Center in Conway, Arkansas.
