CONWAY, Ark. (March 2, 2024) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team got off to a strong start, but were defeated on the road by the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears, 89-63, from the Farris Center in Conway, Ark.

Despite the loss, UNA gave Central Arkansas a run for its money in the first half before slipping in the second half. The Sugar Bears finished the regular season unbeaten at home with a perfect 12-0 record.

North Alabama finishes the regular season 12-17 overall and 8-8 in Atlantic Sun Conference play, tying Austin Peay for sixth place in the final standings. Central Arkansas also heads into the conference tournament with a 19-10 regular season record and 11-5 in the ASUN.

With the regular season complete, UNA now awaits an official announcement regarding the ASUN Conference Tournament, which begins Friday, March 8 and runs through Sunday, March 16. The odds are likely that UNA and Central Arkansas will rematch in the ASUN Tournament on Saturday, March 9 in Conway. Stay tuned on UNA's social media pages for more information.

Four Lions finished in double figures Saturday, led by senior Alexis Callins and sophomore forward India Howard with 13 points each. Graduate forward Allie Craig Cruce contributed 11 points, while sophomore guard Rhema Pegues rounded out the top scorers.

UNA started strong and took an early lead after the first period. It was an offensive affair early, as both teams combined for 42 points. After two lead exchanges, UNA controlled the way after one quarter thanks to 69.2 percent shooting with a 23-19 lead.

Six different Lions scored in the opening period, but the Sugar Bears would pick up the offensive production in the second quarter.

Despite the early deficit, Central Arkansas shot an efficient 50 percent in the first and shifted momentum with a 27-point second quarter. The Sugar Bears shot 85.7 percent in the period, using the offensive production to retake the lead. North Alabama also shot well, going 50 percent on 6-12 shooting and 2-3 from deep. The Lions surrendered the lead, but only trailed 46-39 after two quarters.

The Sugar Bears' offense maintained the momentum into the second half, shooting 56.3 percent and scoring 43 points, while UNA struggled to replicate the first half.

For more information on the upcoming ASUN Championship, click here.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.