Central Arkansas stayed competitive defensively against Baylor but struggled to score, falling 72-44 in its first of three games against Power 4 opponents this season. Laylah Reese led the Sugar Bears with 10 points; Baylor pulled away after halftime.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Baylor 72, Central Arkansas 44.
  • Laylah Reese scored 10 points.
  • Baylor shot 37% overall and 33% in the third quarter.
Yes, But

The 28-point margin masks a stronger defensive effort: Central Arkansas held Baylor, a team that reached last season’s NCAA Tournament second round, to 37% shooting. The Sugar Bears’ offense couldn’t convert that effort into a closer game.

What's Next

Central Arkansas visits ULM on Monday, with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m. in Monroe, Louisiana, before returning home next weekend.

Bottom Line

The Sugar Bears showed they can defend against a high-level opponent, but will need more consistent scoring to turn that effort into a competitive result.