CONWAY, Ark. (March 9, 2024) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team's Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament aspirations came to a halt Saturday night, as No. 3 Central Arkansas defeated No. 6 North Alabama 69-52 from the Farris Center in Conway, Ark.

The Lions end their run in the ASUN Quarterfinal with a 12-18 record. The Sugar Bears won their first-ever ASUN Conference Tournament game and will host the semifinal on Tuesday, March 12. Central Arkansas will welcome No. 5 EKU to the Farris Center with a trip to the finals on the line.

In the third meeting between the two squads this season, UNA looked to capitalize on a new-look starting lineup by coming out the gates with efficient shooting. North Alabama shot 53.8 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from deep in the opening period, but a slow offensive outing in the second gave the hosts the 10-point advantage at the halfway mark. The Sugar Bears gradually increase their lead, outscoring the Lions 16-11 in the third and 16-14 in the fourth to advance.

Entering with a limited rotation due to injuries, North Alabama had solid scoring contributions from the starting lineup with four players in double figures. Senior guard Alexis Callins closed the game as UNA's top scorer with 14 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and from deep. Sophomore guard Rhema Pegues got her first postseason start for the Lions and added 13 points on 45 percent shooting.

Sophomore forward India Howard's breakout second half continued Saturday, as she scored 11 points to go with 10 rebounds for her first double-double at UNA. Graduate forward Allie Craig Cruce rounded out as the fourth-leading scoring with 10 points and six rebounds.

North Alabama Women's Basketball will return to Florence with 12 wins on the year, including eight from CB&S Bank Arena, while appearing in their sixth-straight ASUN Tournament.

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