The University of Central Arkansas women’s team saw its season end in the opening game of the Southland Conference Tournament for the fourth consecutive season as defending tournament champion Northwestern (La.) State pulled away late in a 63-49 victory Thursday at the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas.
UCA (17-14) fell behind by 10 points early in the first half but fought back to take a one-point lead into halftime and led by five in the second half. The Lady Demons (16-14) outscored UCA 26-9 over the last 8:13 to end the Sugar Bears’ season.
UCA struggled offensively, shooting 28.3 percent (17 of 60) from the floor, including 25 percent (8 of 32) in the second half. Forward Terai Sadler and guard Brianna Mullins led the Sugar Bears with 10 points each. Maggie Proffitt scored just four points on 1-of-12 shooting from the floor.
Keisha Lee led the Lady Demons with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Janelle Perez scored 16 and Presley Owens added 10.