Bears
UCA falls to Western Illinois on last-second free throws Saturday
Bears can’t hold late leads on late scoring run by Leathernecks and two free throws with just one second left
MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois Leathernecks got a late loose ball foul and made two free throws with :01 on the clock to knock off Central Arkansas, 63-61, on Saturday at Western Hall.
UCA (1-3) led by as much as 10 points with six minutes to play but the home team came alive and outscored the Bears 14-2 the rest of the way.
The Bears, who were coming off a resounding victory over Randall on Wednesday night in their home opener, kept the momentum going in the first half Saturday. UCA led 28-23 at the half, with freshman guard Layne Turner scoring 11 of his game-high 21 points.
UCA sophomore Brayden Fagbemi followed Taylor with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and was the only other Bear in double figures. UCA shot 8 of 24 (33.3 percent) from three-point range, one game after hitting 16 against Randall.
Ryan Myers had 18 points and Sean Smith 17 for the Leathernecks (2-2), who also connected on eight three-pointers.
The Bears return home next week for two games, hosting Southeast Missouri on Thursday and UNC-Asheville on Sunday.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story
