Win streaks pump up Bears, Sugar Bears

The University of Central Arkansas Bears and Sugar Bears had a lot to celebrate last week, and the talk reflected it at Monday’s weekly Bearbackers luncheon.

The Bears, who started the week 1-5, recorded two straight victories in the Etech Lumberjack Classic at Stephen F. Austin, including downing previously unbeaten Cal State Fullerton, which owned an earlier victory over UCLA.

The Sugar Bears went to 5-2 with wins over Tulsa University of NCAA Division I and NAIA Texas College.

“We’re feeling a lot better about ourselves, playing with more confidence,” said UCA coach Rand Chappell after an early season schedule that has included high-profile programs Kansas and Memphis. “When we were playing Cal State Fullerton (at Nacogdoches), it was two teams playing away from home in a gym that was not crowded. I told our players often those games come down to energy, enthusiasm, focus and who has the most desire to win.”

The Bears led by five at the half when Chappell reminded his team that Fullerton had trailed New Mexico State 26-3 earlier in the season before mounting a 51-14 run.

“But we extended our led after halftime, they never really dented it,” Chappell said.

Guard Jared Rhemel scored 18 points on seven shots and the UCA coach cited big men Carlos Dos Santos and Tadre Sheppard for 80 percent shooting inside.

Guard Imad Quahwash, 6-foot-2, had 11 defensive rebounds against Fullerton.

“That’s only explainable by the fact he’s hustling,” Chappell said. “The ball keeps popping out and Imad keeps coming up with it.”

Going into the second half of the Memphis game, the Bears were shooting about 35 percent from the field. The last seven halves they have shot about 50 percent.

“Chris Poelinitz (transfer guard) is part of that,” Chappell said. “Not as much what he does but the attention he draws.”

The Bears play at Tennessee-Martin on Saturday and will play their only home game before Christmas against Harris-Stowe on Dec. 15.

Chappell noted that Harris-Stowe lost to Southeast Missouri by eight and to UT Martin by 12, “so they are hardly a complete rolloever team.”

The coach also said guard Mike Pouncy is definitely out until after Christmas, then after a check of his injured foot, it will be determined whether he will be available for conference play or will be redshirted.

SUGAR BEARS

The UCA women have had two 100-point games (114 against Texas College and 119 against Ecclesia, both NAIA teams) for the first time since 2000-2001.

Freshman Megan Herbert has had a double-double in all seven games and currently ranks fourth in the nation in rebounding. Her consecutive games of 35 points or more ties her with former UCA standout Checola Seals-Horton and she is already seventh on the list for 30-point games. Westin Taylor is among the national leaders in field goals made. The Sugar Bears lead the conference in nine of 19 team categories and are second in five others.

“5-2 feels pretty good, but we have a ways to go,” coach Matt Daniel said. “I just like this group.”

The Sugar Bears are taking the week off for exams, resuming play on Monday, Dec. 14.

Daniel said the team cumulative GPA currently projects at 3.08. 

“When you take into account six freshmen and two other new kids in our program, that’s quite an accomplishment,” he said.

Daniel said Brea Banks, a 5-foot-11 junior college transfer, will be redshirted after a knee injury.

A BREAK: The weekly luncheons will now take a break for the holidays. They will resume Monday, Jan. 11.