Sugar Bears fall to Lady Lions

The University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears held the Southland Conference East Division co-leading Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions to just 18 first-half points the fewest UCA has allowed any opponent all season.

Unfortunately for the Sugar Bears, the Lady Lions put up 47 in the second half and pulled away late for a 65-55 victory in the Farris Center, the ninth straight defeat for the UCA women.

The Sugar Bears (6-21, 2-12) held the Lady Lions (17-10, 9-5) to one point over an 11-minute span in the first half but were unable to capitalize as they ran into their own offensive struggles and led just 9-5 with just under eight minutes remaining in the first half.

UCA built a 23-18 halftime lead, and took an eight-point lead to start the second half on a 3-pointer from Jamye Adair, but SLU fought back and took the lead 43-42 with 8:10 to play on a 3-pointer from Kim Edmonson.

After trailing by as many as seven, the Sugar Bears scrapped back and pulled into a 53-all tie with 2:03 to go on a layup from Nakeia Guiden.

But from there, the Lady Lions took over and scored nine straight points including five of six from the free-throw line to put the game out of reach for the Sugar Bears and complete the season sweep.

UCA was led by Guiden's 14 and Adair's 13. Guiden was 6-of-12 from the field, and Adair was 4-for-8 including a 3-for-4 effort on 3-pointers.

Guiden was one of three Sugar Bears to grab five rebounds, and also led the team with four assists, two blocks and five steals. She also led UCA with six turnovers.

The Sugar Bears will play their final home game of the season at 7 p.m. Wednesday.