Central Arkansas Bears Advance to First-Ever ASUN Conference Title Game

Bears defeat Florida Gulf Coast 73-63 in semifinal matchup

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Central Arkansas Bears advanced to the ASUN Conference Championship game for the first time in their Division I history with a 73-63 semifinal win over the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles on Saturday. The Bears controlled the paint with 36 points inside and held off several runs by Florida Gulf Coast to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This is a historic achievement for the Central Arkansas Bears, who have never before reached the ASUN Conference title game since joining Division I. Their success this season has put the program on the map and gives them a chance to compete for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Central Arkansas (22-11, 15-3 ASUN) led 35-32 at halftime after a back-and-forth opening half. In the second half, the Bears pulled away behind strong play from Ty Robinson, who delivered key baskets including a three-pointer. Florida Gulf Coast attempted a late comeback, but Central Arkansas controlled the final minute and knocked down free throws to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The ASUN Conference Championship game is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2026 at 1 PM.

The players

Camren Hunter

Led the Bears with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and a perfect 8-for-8 performance from the free-throw line.

Javion Guy-King

Scored 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists for the Bears.

Ty Robinson

Finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals for Central Arkansas.

Cole McCormick

Also scored 13 points for the Bears, knocking down 3 three-pointers.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

The Bears' opponent in the semifinal matchup, who fell short in their attempt to reach the ASUN Conference title game.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic achievement for our program. We've worked hard all season to get to this point, and I'm proud of the way our team has competed.”

— Camren Hunter, Central Arkansas Bears Player

What’s next

The Central Arkansas Bears will face the winner of the Austin Peay vs. Queens semifinal matchup in the ASUN Conference Championship game on Sunday, March 9, 2026 at 1 PM. The title game will be aired on ESPN2.

The takeaway

The Central Arkansas Bears' first-ever appearance in the ASUN Conference title game is a significant milestone for the program, showcasing their growth and competitiveness at the Division I level. Their success this season has generated excitement and momentum that could propel the Bears to greater heights in the future.