CONWAY, Ark. -- Anna McLeod scored 19 points,
Sarah Griswold had her best day as a Wildcat, but the ACU women's basketball team came up just short against Central Arkansas Saturday at the Ferris Center. The Wildcats (12-8, 5-6 SLC) had a chance at the end of the game to either win or send it to overtime, but a three-pointer from
Kamryn Mraz rimmed out, and the Sugar Bears (9-121, 7-6 SLC) held on to defeat ACU, 55-53. It was a physical, back-and-forth game that featured eight ties and 10 lead changes that came down to the wire. No team led by more than eight points, and the Wildcats had a couple chances at the end to pull it out, but just missed on some opportunities.
Turning Point
Trailing 52-51 with 1:53 left, Griswold made a huge play defensively, drawing a charge on UCA's Savannah Walker. Griswold then made a clutch play at the other end of the floor, squaring up to the basket in the paint and hitting a jump shot to put the Wildcats in front, 53-52, with 1:09 left. ACU played good defense again at the other end, but the possession ended with a Madi Milelr foul to put Walker at the line, and she made both to give the Sugar Bears the lead again, 54-53. But ACU had a chance with 35 seconds left. After a
Julie Goodenough timeout, ACU went back to Griswold, who missed a tough layup attempt inside, but Miller got the rebound and the ball was tied up. The possession arrow stayed with ACU, and on the ensuing possession,
Madi Miller drove in and was called for a travel to give it back to Central Arkansas with eight seconds left. ACU then fouled right away, and UCA made one of two free throws. The 'Cats had one last chance, and Mraz missed a three at the top of the key at the gun to fall 55-53.
Key Plays
- 2Q | ACU got down 19-12 early in the second quarter, but went on an 11-0 run that featured
Anna McLeod and
Sarah Griswold. McLeod converted at the rim,
Sarah Griswold worked in her mid-range game, McLeod hit a three and got to the hoop again, and Griswold converted a layup.
- 3Q | ACU trailed by eight, 39-31, but closed it to one point two minute later. Griswold converted inside, and
Madi Miller hit a pair at the foul line.
Kamryn Mraz then followed with a three-pointer, and all of a sudden it was 39-38 UCA.
- 4Q | The Wildcats struggled to score in the fourth quarter, with the first points of the frame coming on a Mraz three with 4:02 left.
- 4Q | The ending was set up by McLeod converting a turnover into a layup to get ACU within one, 52-49.
Stat Pack
- ACU shot 46% from the floor, and did the majority of the damage in the paint. ACU scored 34 points inside.
- The Wildcats held a 31-27 edge in rebounds.
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Anna McLeod dropped 19 points on 8-12 shooting, and added six boards.
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Sarah Griswold matched her best game as a Wildcat in points, and was clutch down the stretch. The redshirt sophomore added six rebounds.
Up Next
- ACU heads to Nacogdoches, Texas on Wednesday, March 3 for a date with SFA. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on 102.7 The Bear.
