CONWAY, Ark. (Interstat) — Central Arkansas overwhelmed Bellarmine 85-29 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at Farris Center. The Bears, now 9-6, seized control with a 20-7 first quarter and never relented, holding the Knights to a season-low 29 points. Bellarmine shot just 21.7% from the field and committed 20 turnovers, which Central Arkansas converted into 24 points. Cheyanne Kemp and Shae Littleford each scored 17 points to lead a balanced Central Arkansas offense. The Bears made 17 3-pointers. Kayce Hyman led Bellarmine, which fell to 2-14, with eight points. Attendance was 647.

CONWAY, Ark. (Interstat) — The Central Arkansas Bears delivered a dominant performance from start to finish, overwhelming the Bellarmine Knights 85-29 in an ASUN Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Farris Center. The contest was effectively decided in the first half as the Bears built a 43-11 lead by halftime, capitalizing on a catastrophic offensive performance by the visiting Knights. Bellarmine managed just 11 points over the opening two quarters, shooting 4 of 26 from the field and committing 13 turnovers, which Central Arkansas converted into 15 points. The most important part of the game was the Bears’ immediate and suffocating defensive pressure, which set the tone for the lopsided result. From the opening tip, Central Arkansas disrupted Bellarmine’s offense at every turn. The Knights’ first-quarter possessions were a litany of turnovers, blocked shots, and forced misses, allowing the Bears to sprint to a 20-7 lead after ten minutes. That defensive intensity never relented, as Central Arkansas finished with 12 steals and forced 20 total turnovers, leading to a decisive 24-2 advantage in points off turnovers. Central Arkansas showcased balanced scoring and sharp three-point shooting. Cheyanne Kemp and Shae Littleford each scored 17 points to lead the Bears. Kemp added three assists, while Littleford contributed three assists, a block, and three steals. Laylah Reese scored 14 points, and Jenna Cook orchestrated the offense with 11 points and five assists. Paris Santacaterina added eight points, four assists, and a steal. Bellarmine’s offensive struggles were historic. The Knights shot 21.7% from the field, making only 10 of 46 attempts. They were an ice-cold 1 for 16 from three-point range and made just 8 of 16 free throws. Their offensive rating of 41.7 points per 100 possessions underscored the futility of the night. Kayce Hyman led Bellarmine with eight points, while Haya Abdel Aal scored seven points and blocked two shots. Rachel Shropshire added six points. The Bears also controlled the glass, outrebounding Bellarmine 48-30 and grabbing 14 offensive rebounds to the Knights’ four. Central Arkansas shot 42.3% from the field and connected on 17 three-pointers at a 37% clip. With the victory, Central Arkansas improved to 9-6 overall. Bellarmine fell to 2-14, continuing a difficult season that has seen them lose by significant margins against several high-major opponents. The Knights have now lost five consecutive games. Central Arkansas returns to conference play Saturday at home against Eastern Kentucky. Bellarmine continues its road trip Saturday at North Alabama.

CONWAY, Ark. (Interstat) — The Bellarmine Knights, seeking to halt a seven-game skid, face a stiff road test against the Central Arkansas Bears in an ASUN Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday night at the Farris Center. Bellarmine (2-13) enters reeling from a 106-65 home loss to West Georgia on Saturday. The Knights’ struggles have been pronounced, with their last win coming on Nov. 19. Their conference opener against Queens (N.C.) on Jan. 1 resulted in a 58-46 defeat. Central Arkansas (8-6) aims to rebound after a 64-51 conference road loss at Florida Gulf Coast. The Bears had won three of their previous four games, including a decisive 65-43 victory at Stetson to open ASUN play. A key matchup will feature Bellarmine guard Rose Jamison against Central Arkansas forward Bree Stephens. Jamison has been a bright spot for the Knights, averaging 14.5 points over her last four games, including a 20-point outing at Arizona. Stephens provides a consistent inside presence for the Bears, posting three double-doubles this season and averaging 11.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. The Knights will need more offensive support beyond Jamison. Kayce Hyman added 16 points in the loss to West Georgia, and Ava Smith dished out six assists. Bellarmine has been held under 65 points in 12 of its 15 games. Central Arkansas has shown balance, with Cheyanne Kemp (12 points) and Paris Santacaterina contributing in the loss to FGCU. The Bears have been strong at home, boasting a 5-1 record in Conway this season. Historically, this is a relatively new conference rivalry since both programs joined the ASUN. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST.