RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team suffered its first Atlantic Sun Conference loss of the season, falling to Central Arkansas by a score of 60-48 on Thursday night inside Baptist Health Arena.
 
With the loss, EKU drops to 21-5 overall, 12-1 in ASUN play, and has its 14-game winning streak since Dec. 19, 2025 snapped. The Colonels remain in first place and now hold a three-game lead in the conference standings with five games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season.
 
Senior forward Joseana Vaz, the reigning ASUN Newcomer of the Week, led EKU with 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including two 3-pointers, marking her second straight game leading the Colonels in scoring.
 
Senior guard Althea Kara Angeles finished with seven points and 11 rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Freshman guard Kenleigh Woods added nine points, while senior guard Ndidiamaka Ndukwe chipped in eight to round out the scoring effort.
 
As a team, EKU shot a season-low 29 percent (13-for-45) from the floor and went 3-for-17 from beyond the arc.
 
Central Arkansas (15-10, 8-5 ASUN) shot 37 percent (22-for-59) from the field and connected on seven 3-pointers. The Sugar Bears controlled the glass, outrebounding EKU 41-30, and forced 13 turnovers. UCA placed two players in double figures, led by Shae Littleford's 18 points.
 
Central Arkansas capitalized on early EKU miscues, converting five first-quarter turnovers into points to build a 15-8 lead. Vaz knocked down a 3-pointer in the final minute of the opening period to keep the Colonels within reach.
 
The Sugar Bears extended their advantage in the second quarter with transition baskets and second-chance opportunities. EKU managed just one field goal in the period but stayed within striking distance at the free-throw line as Woods and Angeles combined for key makes. Central Arkansas carried a 34-16 lead into halftime.
 
The Colonels responded with their strongest stretch of the night in the third quarter, outscoring UCA 14-10. Vaz scored five quick points to spark the run, and EKU trimmed the deficit to 44-30 entering the fourth.
 
EKU continued to chip away in the final period, cutting the margin to 11 following a fast-break layup from Freihofer and a late 3-pointer from Angeles. However, Central Arkansas answered with timely perimeter shooting and sealed the 60-48 victory at the free-throw line.
 
EKU returns to action Saturday afternoon, hosting North Alabama at 2 p.m. ET inside Baptist Health Arena. The game will serve as Senior Day, as the program honors its five-member 2026 senior class. Tickets are available for $5 at the door or online here.