Central Arkansas opens its 2026-27 season Monday at home against crosstown opponent Hendrix. The Sugar Bears return key contributors led by Preseason All-UAC guard Cheyanne Kemp and add six newcomers as they look to build on three straight 21-win seasons and ASUN Championship semifinal appearances.

By the Numbers
  • Central Arkansas: 21 wins and an ASUN semifinal appearance in each of the past 3 seasons.
  • Cheyanne Kemp last season: 13.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, plus 48 3-pointers.
  • Hendrix last season: 17-10 record and a share of the SCAC Blue Division regular-season title.
  • Hendrix forward Riley Brady averaged 17.4 points and 18.4 rebounds per game.
Yes, But

Although Central Arkansas has consistently won this annual matchup, the game also gives the Sugar Bears a chance to test lineups early. Hendrix returns a standout in Brady, whose scoring and rebounding make the Warriors a meaningful opening-night challenge.

State of Play
  • Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in Conway.
  • The game is the first half of a men’s and women’s basketball opening-day doubleheader.
  • ESPN+ will stream the game, with live stats available online.
Bottom Line

Central Arkansas begins the season with experience, new talent and a familiar local opponent—an early opportunity to see how its refreshed roster fits together.