Watts sparks UCA’s surge in 2nd half

CENTRAL ARKANSAS 62,

ALCORN STATE 36

Kendara Watts scored 17 points as the University of Central Arkansas pulled away in the second half for a 62-36 victory at Alcorn State on Tuesday in Lorman, Miss.

After trailing most of the first half, the Sugar Bears (3-3) grabbed the lead with five minutes left in the half with eight consecutive free throws, taking a 30-21 lead into the locker room at the half. The Sugar Bears then held the Lady Braves (0-5) to 16.1 percent shooting from the field in the second half to take control, improving to 3-0 all-time against Alcorn State.

The 36 points was the lowest total allowed this season by the Sugar Bears, who have held three of their past four opponents to 45 points or less. The 26-point margin is also the Sugar Bears’ largest since a 62-30 victory over New Orleans on February 8.

Brianna Mullins added 14 points, all in the second half, to go with a team-high 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Maggie Proffitt added 12 points for UCA.

Henrietta Wells had 9 points to lead Alcorn State.

SWAC MEN

AKRON 81, UAPB 60

Kwan Cheatham Jr. scored 17 points to lead five Akron players with 10 or more points as the Zips (5-2) earned a come-from-behind victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-6) at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.

Cheatham had 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocked shots to go with his points. Deji Ibitayo followed with 13 points, while Reggie McAdams, Nyles Evans and Pat Forsythe added 11 each.

Akron trailed by three at halftime but used a second-half run to win its third consecutive home game this season and sixth consecutive dating to last season.

Marcel Mosley and JoVaughn Love

scored 20 points each to lead UAPB.

TOP 25/SWAC WOMEN

NO. 20 OKLAHOMA STATE 90, ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 45

Liz Donohoe scored 15 points, three others had 13 apiece, and No. 20 Oklahoma State (6-1) routed Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-4) in Stillwater, Okla.

Brittney Martin was 6 of 6 from the floor, Brittany Atkins made 3 three-pointers, and Roshunda Johnson added nine assists to go with her 13 points for the Cowgirls (6-1).

Oklahoma State scored the first eight points of the game and built a 48-20 lead going into intermission.

UAPB was led by Ajia Richardson with 13 points and seven rebounds. Jazmyne Victorian had 10 points, despite going 4 of 14 from the floor.