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CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team gets set for its ASUN Championship semifinal on Saturday, facing the No. 2 seed Jacksonville Dolphins. Tip-off in Jacksonville, Florida is set for 12:30 p.m. CT.
The Sugar Bears advanced to the semifinals with their 21st win of the season, reaching the mark for the third-straight season with a 67-56 win over North Alabama Friday night. Laylah Reese scored a career-high 18 points on just eight shots, and was a perfect 6-for-6 in the first half, helping the Sugar Bears stay in it after a slow start. Jenna Cook also added 12 off the bench, the Cabot pair leading Central Arkansas to a 33-3 advantage in bench points.
Central Arkansas looks to avenge a loss at JU back in January, when the Sugar Bears dropped a 96-86 final in overtime. Cook led the team with 21 points and five three-pointers, and Cheyanne Kemp added 20 of her own, along with five triples herself. But late game situations saw Jacksonville tie the game and send it to overtime, where the Central Arkansas offense couldn’t put the ball in the basket.
Jacksonville (22-8) advanced to the semifinals after defeating West Georgia 86-77. Without several players due to suspension, the Dolphins got 28 points from Makiya Miller, who hit seven field goals and 13 free throws. She was one of five Dolphins to score in double-figures, and Jacksonville took advantage of 24 free throws in just the fourth quarter.
The Sugar Bears and Dolphins tip off at 12:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available online. Fans can also follow the action at 91.3 The Bear, with Steve Owens on the call.