On a snowy night in Richmond, the Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought victory in the ASUN Game of the Week, triumphing over Central Arkansas with a final score of 65-58 at Baptist Health Arena on Thursday night.
With this win, EKU (13-5, 2-2 ASUN) extended their home winning streak to nine games, dating back to the previous season. Under the guidance of head coach Greg Todd, the team has amassed a remarkable 27-8 (.771) record inside the Coliseum since 2021.
Guard Alice Recanati played a pivotal role in the Colonels’ success, reaching a significant milestone by becoming the 25th player in program history to score 1,000 career points. In Thursday’s game, the Bergamo, Italy native contributed 16 points, four assists, and one rebound.
Antwainette Walker led all scorers with an impressive 19 points, while Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor and Ivy Turner each added 11 points. McGinnis-Taylor secured her second double-double of the season, registering a career-high 11 rebounds in the process.
The victory marked a remarkable achievement for Coach Todd, as it represented his 700th career win in both college and high school coaching. Todd began his coaching journey in 1992 with Berea Community in his hometown, reaching the 300-win milestone at the NCAA DI level earlier this season.
In the first half, Central Arkansas (11-6, 3-1 ASUN) controlled the game, establishing a 10-point lead with 5:41 remaining in the second quarter. However, a crucial four-point swing from Walker narrowed the halftime deficit to 29-24 in favor of the Sugar Bears.
The Colonels staged a comeback in the third quarter, with consecutive baskets from Turner, McGinnis-Taylor, and a three-pointer from Recanati, tying the game at 45 heading into the final period.
EKU took the lead early in the fourth quarter, and a series of made free throws and key baskets extended their largest lead to 10 points with 1:45 left in the game. Despite a late three-pointer from UCA’s Jade Upshaw, who led the Sugar Bears with 15 points, the Colonels held on for a seven-point victory.
UCA’s Randrea Wright contributed 13 points, shooting 60 percent from the floor, while forward Bree Stephens led the visitors with nine rebounds, all on the defensive end.
Despite a challenging start with a 29 percent shooting performance in the first half, EKU rallied to finish the game at 40 percent shooting. The team’s record now stands at 8-1 on the season when shooting 40 percent or better.
The Colonels are set to return to action on Saturday against North Alabama at 4 p.m. EST, back inside Baptist Health Arena, as part of a doubleheader with the men’s program.
