Sugar Bears fall at Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The University of Central Arkansas women's basketball lost to NCAA Division I member Evansville, 70-61, at Roberts Stadium on Wednesday night.

The loss drops the Sugar Bears to 5-3 on the season while the Purple Aces improve to 4-5.

UCA jumped out to a 23-12 lead in the first 10 minutes of the contest. The Aces answered with a 17-2 run over the next eight minutes to take a 29-25 edge. UE led 31-30 at the half.

A 3-pointer with 8:44 left in the game by UCA freshman guard Mariesha Piggee cut Evansville's lead to 49-48. The Aces answered with seven straight points to take control of the game.

The Sugar Bears could not overcome 27 turnovers and a 48-30 rebound deficit.

Junior forward Caronica Randle was held to just 3-of-9 shooting, but she hit 12-of-18 free-throw attempts to lead the Sugar Bears. Sophomore guard Allyson Sample came off the bench to hit four 3-pointers and score 14 points.

Megan Liffick hit five 3-point shots for the Aces, on her way to a 21-point night. Rebekah Parker added 11 points.

The Sugar Bears will take on Grand Canyon at the Trip Sports Classic in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 28.