Liberty takes over, handles Central Arkansas women

ASUN WOMEN LIBERTY 79, UCA 51

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas women’s basketball team quite literally had a tall task on its hands Saturday.

The Sugar Bears played host to Liberty, which boasts a roster with seven players 6-0 or taller. It also has a top-five defense in the country in points allowed per game (50.3) and opponent field- goal percentage (32.6%).

The Flames stuck to their guns, downing the Sugar Bears 79- 51 at the Farris Center and extending UCA’s losing streak to three games.

“In spurts, we played hard,” UCA Coach Sandra Rushing said. “But when you’re playing a team like Liberty, who’s better; They’re a better basketball team, and that’s where we want to be. … They’re big, they shoot it well, they take care of the ball.”

Central Arkansas ( 6-10, 1-4 ASUN) was shut down at the basket. The Sugar Bears’ 18-of-60 mark from the field was its third-worst shooting performance of the season, and its 9.1% three-point percentage was also its thirdworst mark showing.

Randrea Wright’s performance was one of UCA’s few bright spots. She finished with a team- high 15 points and had 4 assists and 2 steals.

“I love her heart and how she competes,” Rushing said of Wright.

UCA’s nine turnovers were their fewest in a game this season. It also pulled down more offensive rebounds ( 16) than Liberty (12) and grabbed nine steals.

Lucy Ibeh returned after a one- game absence against Jacksonville State on Wednesday. Ibeh, who was dealing with a non-covid illness, is at 100%, according to Rushing. Ibeh finished Saturday with 7 points, 4 steals and 2 rebounds.