Bears Roll in ASUN Championship Quarterfinals

Central Arkansas (21-11, 15-3 ASUN) secured a decisive 86-73 victory over Bellarmine (13-19, 7-11 ASUN) on Friday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Bears’ win in this quarterfinal match sets them up for a semifinal showdown tomorrow against either FGCU or Lipscomb in the ASUN Championship Semifinals Saturday 4:00 p.m. The team dominated from beyond the arc, making 13 of 26 three-point attempts. Team leader Camren Hunter had a great performance scoring 31 points.

Central Arkansas opened play with strong defensive efforts, leading to multiple turnovers by Bellarmine. Early on, Camren Hunter’s layup at the 16:03 mark put the home team ahead 7-3. The Bears maintained their momentum with efficient shooting, including a three-pointer by Hunter at 15:28, extending the lead to 10-5. Central Arkansas capitalized on Bellarmine’s turnovers and fouls, with Truman Byrne’s tip-in at 2:29 pushing the lead to 43-27. Bellarmine’s Jack Karasinski hit a late three-pointer with one second remaining, but Central Arkansas ended the first half with a 48-34 advantage.

Central Arkansas capitalized on a strong start to the second half, with Ty Robinson hitting a three-pointer just 16 seconds in, assisted by Hunter, to extend the lead. Luke Moore provided key assists, including a pass to Robinson for another three-pointer at the 17:39 mark. Bellarmine’s Brian Waddell responded with consistent free-throw shooting, but Central Arkansas maintained control with Hunter’s layup and subsequent free throw at 6:42, pushing the score to 77-58. Despite Bellarmine’s efforts, including a late three-pointer by Sam Donald, Central Arkansas held firm to secure an 86-73 victory.

   

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