LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Central Arkansas was able to access an extra gear in the second half Saturday afternoon in Freedom Hall in pulling away from the Bellarmine University women's basketball team for a 73-59 victory in ASUN action.

Bellarmine (5-12, 0-5 ASUN) took a 38-34 lead into halftime, but Central Arkansas (12-6, 4-1) clamped down defensively and outscored the Knights 39-21 in the second half.

Junior guard Hope Sivori and sophomore guard Miyah Brown were a dynamic duo for the second straight game for Bellarmine. Sivori buried seven of her 11 shots, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, in registering a team-high 18 points. Brown collected 15 and added five rebounds.

Bellarmine led 15-14 after the first quarter following a 3-pointer from Sivori. Junior guard Hayley Harrison was fouled on a 3-point attempt and knocked down all three free throws to stake the Knights to a 38-34 advantage at the break.

Central Arkansas took control of the third quarter after getting hot from the perimeter. The Sugar Bears sank four of their six attempts from 3-point range and outscored the Knights 24-14 in the period.

Central Arkansas boosted its lead to 64-54 with 7:09 left in the fourth. The Knights got within seven with around six minutes remaining, but the Sugar Bears followed with a 5-0 run to restore their double-digit lead on the way to the win.

Kinley Fisher went 4-for-5 from 3-point range in scoring a game-high 23 points for UCA. Jade Upshaw posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Bree Stephens notched 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Sugar Bears, who limited the Knights to seven points in the final period.

Bellarmine celebrated Homecoming and Alumnae Day. There was special recognition of the 1994 Division II Final Four team.

Bellarmine will play at 7 p.m. (ET) Thursday at North Florida.

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