Conway, Arkansas — In an intense matchup, Central Arkansas triumphed over UNC Asheville with a score of 92-83 after a gripping double overtime period on Sunday.


Elias Cato emerged as a standout player, contributing 23 points for Central Arkansas, which marked their second win of the season, bringing their record to 2-4 overall. The game saw a dramatic turn when Jordan Morris from UNC Asheville made two free throws just as the game was winding down, allowing his team to tie the score at 71 and push the game into overtime.


In the first overtime, Fletcher Abee hit a crucial 3-pointer with only 33 seconds remaining, leveling the score at 79 and setting the stage for the second overtime session. Central Arkansas took advantage of the momentum in the second extra period, with Michael Evbagharu’s layup giving them an early lead. Cato quickly followed up with a timely 3-pointer, helping the Bears outscore the Bulldogs by 21-12 in the final moments to secure their win.


Cato not only shined in scoring but also tallied nine rebounds throughout the game. Layne Taylor was another strong contributor for Central Arkansas, posting 19 points along with seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals. Additionally, Brayden Fagbemi finished with 19 points, backing up his teammates with another seven assists and five steals.


For UNC Asheville, which now holds a record of 2-3, Fletcher Abee led the charge with an impressive 27 points. His teammates also had notable performances with Josh Banks scoring 17 points and Toyaz Solomon contributing significantly with a double-double of 15 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.


This exciting encounter highlighted the resilience and skill of both teams, particularly in the nail-biting overtime periods.