FLORENCE, Ala. (February 25, 2026) – Despite a valiant second half rally, the University of North Alabama women's basketball team suffered a 62-55 setback Wednesday evening vs. Central Arkansas in Atlantic Sun Conference action from CB&S Bank Arena.

North Alabama (15-13, 10-7 ASUN) came up short in its rally vs. the Sugar Bears in a battle between teams jockeying for seeding in the 2026 ASUN Championship Tournament.

Central Arkansas (19-10, 12-5 ASUN) got off to a solid start with the early lead, extending its momentum into halftime. Despite the deficit, North Alabama were shooting more efficiently with a 43.5 percent rate from the field compared to 41.7 percent from the Sugar Bears.

The Lions began the second half by outscoring the Sugar Bears in the third. They were able to cut the deficit to single digits with momentum heading to the final period. UNA continued its rally by cutting the deficit to three in the fourth, but Central Arkansas used timely shots to fend off the Lions' rally and take the road win.

Three double-digit scorers led the way for the Lions in sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti, junior Katie Criswell and senior India Howard. Ceppellotti had a team-high 14 points while Criswell and Howard chipped in 10 points.

Freshman Gabby Jackson had the game high with nine rebounds, and Howard had a near double-double with eight rebounds to finish second. Jackson and senior Jazzy Klinge tied the team high with two assists. Defensively, Jackson and Klinge tallied a steal each, and Klinge registered a game-high three blocks. Ceppellotti (two blocks) and Howard (1) were also stout in rim protection.

With the victory, the Sugar Bears secured the season sweep over UNA and earned a first round bye in next week's conference tournament.

The Lions enter the final game of regular season playing for seeding in the next week's championship. North Alabama, West Georgia and FGCU all sport 10-7 ASUN records and have a three-way tie for fifth place in the standings. North Alabama and FGCU split the season series while UNA claimed the first of two meetings vs. West Georgia.

The Lions are set for a Senior Day showdown in CB&S Bank Arena this Friday, taking on West Georgia to cap the regular season at 6 p.m.

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