CONWAY, Ark. — Central Ark. (12-10, 7-2 ASUN) secured a 90-81 victory over Eastern Ky. (7-16, 3-7 ASUN) at the Farris Center on Saturday afternoon, marking their fifth consecutive win, a feat they have not achieved since the 2011-2012 season.
Central Ark. capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 13 points, while recording nine steals and 22 assists to maintain their edge.
The game began with
Malchiah Marable scoring an early layup for Central Arkansas at 19:46. Eastern Kentucky quickly called a timeout but struggled with turnovers throughout the half, committing 11 compared to Central Arkansas's 3.
Camren Hunter continues to be effective for the Bears, contributing several baskets, including a layup at 3:02, as Central Arkansas built their lead. Hunter's performance was part of a scoring streak, having scored 30+ points in two consecutive games and achieving 20+ points in six of his last eight games.
Ty Robinson and
Luke Moore added to the defensive pressure, each recording multiple steals. Eastern Kentucky's Tyler Jackson managed to keep the visitors in the game with two 3-pointers, but Central Arkansas closed the half strong, with Moore hitting a jumper at the buzzer to end the half 40-27 in favor of the home team.
Central Arkansas maintained their lead throughout the second half, overcoming a strong challenge from the Colonels. Eastern Kentucky's Tyler Jackson hit back-to-back 3-pointers early, narrowing the gap to 43-35 at 18:31. However, Central Arkansas responded with a series of 3-pointers, including two from Hunter, and three from
Javion Guy-King extending their advantage to 62-49 by 13:16. The Colonels managed to keep the game competitive with contributions from MJ Williams, but Central Arkansas's balanced attack, highlighted by Hunter's 3-point shooting and
Cole McCormick's dunk at 1:13, helped secure a 90-81 victory.
Camren Hunter
- 32 points
- 13 field goals made
- 2 blocks
Javion Guy-King
- 11 points
- 3 three-pointers made
- 9 rebounds (career-high 9 defensive rebounds)
Ty Robinson
- 13 points
- 3 steals
- 3 assists
Luke Moore
- 12 points
- 6 free throws made
- 7 assists
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will face North Alabama at home on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The matchup is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Farris Center.
