Conway, Ark.- The University of Central Arkansas Bears (5-8, 0-0) will start their ASUN schedule this week in the Farris Center playing the Eagles of Florida Gulf Coast University (6-7, 0-0) on Thursday, January 1^st at 1p.m. and the Hatters of Stetson University (4-9, 0-0) on Saturday, January 3^rd at 1p.m. In the ASUN Preseason Coaches' Poll UCA was picked to finish in 8^th place, FGCU was picked 4^th and Stetson was picked 9^th. Last year during the ASUN season the Bears lost to both opponents in Florida, but the Bears were able to upset the Hatters in the ASUN tournament 77-72 in Nashville.
 
The Bears are coming off a difficult non-conference schedule, playing three nationally ranked opponents at UNC, at Arkansas, and at Vanderbilt plus one other Power 4 opponent at SMU. The Bears young roster is now tested and ready for ASUN play. Ty Robinson is coming off his best scoring game of the season, putting up 28 points for a season and career high, he also set his season and career high for rebounds with eight at SMU. For the season Robinson is averaging 13.4 points per game. Cam Hunter leads the Bears in scoring, averaging 16.5 points per game. For the season, the Bears are shooting 43% from the field, 31% from 3-point range and 64% from the free throw line. The Bears are 5-1 at home, the only loss was in overtime. In those 5 wins, the Bears have won by an average of 37.6 points.
 
The Eagles are coming off a win at home on Sunday against the University of Fort Lauderdale, 84-43. During the non-conference season, the Eagles faced one nationally ranked opponent in Illinois losing that one 113-70. Overall, the Eagles were 5-3 at home and 1-4 on the road in their non-conference season and scored 83.2 points per game while giving up 80.5 points per game. J. R. Koniecsny is leading the team in scoring with 14.8 points per game and grabbing 6.2 rebounds per game. Jordan Ellerbee is scoring 14.5 points per game, and Rahmir Barno is scoring 12.9 points per game and dishing 5.2 assists per game.

The Hatters played their last non-conference game at Oklahoma on December 22^nd, losing 107-54. They will play their first ASUN game on Thursday at North Alabama. So far this season the Hatters are 4-1 at home, 0-7 on the road, scoring 69 points a game and giving up 81 points a game. Jamie Phillips Jr leads the Hatters with 14.1 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game. Ethan Copeland is adding 12.8 points per game to the Hatters offense.

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. for both games and both will be broadcast live on ESPN+, The Bear 91.3 and Jack 92.7 or you can follow live stats online.