Orr’s big day keeps Sugar Bears going

Kamry Orr scored a game-high 29 points to lead the eighth-seeded University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears to a 76-71 victory over the No. 5 seed Sam Houston State Bearkats on Thursday in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament in Katy, Texas.

Orr also had 13 rebounds, 7 steals and 5 assists.

The Sugar Bears (1217), who snapped a fivegame losing streak, will face fourth-seeded Abilene Christian at 11 a.m. today in the second round.

UCA lost both meetings to Abilene Christian in the regular season, 77-70 on Jan. 26 in Abilene, Texas, and 6765 on March 2 in Conway.

Sam Houston State (1613) committed 18 turnovers, which led to 25 UCA points.

UCA led 70-63 with 2:03 left after Maddie Goodner hit two free throws. The Bearkats pulled within 7270 with 52 seconds remaining on Jennifer Oramas’ three-pointer.

But Orr made two free throws with 34 seconds left to help UCA seal the victory.

Hannah Langhi scored 12 points off the bench for UCA. Alana Canady added 10 points. The Sugar Bears shot 44.6 percent (25 of 56) from the floor and made 20 of 32 at the free-throw line.

Sam Houston State led 47-40 with 6:15 remaining in the third quarter thanks to a 9-0 run. UCA responded as Orr hit a three-pointer and Canady made two free throws to cut the lead to 53-51 with 1:00 left in the quarter.

Oramas led the Bearkats with 21 points. Lydia Baxter and Amber Leggett each scored 15 points.

Jaylonn Walker added 12 points.

Sam Houston State shot 45.9 percent (28 of 61).