Transfer Ibeh emerging

The University of Central Arkansas (3-9, 1-3 Southland Conference) needed a win last weekend, and junior Lucy Ibeh helped get them one, scoring 31 points and pulling down 16 rebounds in the Sugar Bears’ 56-42 victory over Nicholls State on Saturday. A transfer from Collin College in Texas, Ibeh has delivered sweet performances on and off the court since arriving in August.

In her short time in Conway, the forward from Nigeria has emerged as a prominent figure for the Sugar Bears.

“She’s a true leader,” Coach Sandra Rushing said.” She’s very mature. They call her the momma of the team.”

Ibeh lived up to the nickname this week when she baked a birthday cake for UCA twins Briana and Ayanna Trigg for the team to share.

On the court, with point guard Jalisa Outlaw out for the season due to injury, the Sugar Bears are leaning on Ibeh. Her poise and power in the paint have given a struggling UCA team a beam of light on offense, and the first-year transfer may hold the key to turning things around for the Sugar Bears.

“With her size, she can create her own shot,” Rushing said. “She’s a tremendous athlete and someone we can really rely on.”