CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive firepower and a dramatic second-half surge, the Central Arkansas Bears overcame a halftime deficit and a hostile statistical projection to defeat the Queens Royals 100-90 in an ASUN Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Levine Center.

The victory, which improved Central Arkansas to 11-10 overall, was fueled by a blistering 60-point second half and a career-defining performance from guard Camren Hunter. The Royals, who led 45-40 at intermission, fell to 12-10 despite a prolific night from beyond the three-point arc.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded over a devastating seven-minute stretch in the second half. Trailing 67-62 with just over 10 minutes remaining, Central Arkansas unleashed a 23-5 run that transformed the game’s complexion and silenced the home crowd of 420. The Bears’ defense, which recorded nine steals, catalyzed the outburst by creating transition opportunities, while their offense found a relentless rhythm.

Hunter was the central figure in the onslaught, scoring 11 points during the decisive run. His stepback jumper, a driving layup, and a crucial three-pointer assisted by Truman Byrne punctuated a period where Central Arkansas scored on nine of ten possessions. Forward Cole McCormick, a Chattanooga native, also contributed two three-pointers during the surge, which gave the Bears an 85-72 lead with 7:14 to play and control they would not relinquish.

Hunter finished with a game-high 31 points, adding an assist and a steal in 30 minutes. His scoring output marked a season high and continued a run of strong form, following a 26-point effort in his previous outing. He was complemented by Luke Moore, who added 19 points, and McCormick, who also scored 19, including three shots from long range.

Queens, which entered the game with an 85% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, relied heavily on the three-point shot, making 17 of 38 attempts. Carson Schwieger of Overland Park, Kansas, led that effort with 17 points, all but two of which came from three-pointers. Yoav Berman, a junior from Tel Aviv, Israel, provided a versatile line of 16 points, seven assists and three steals for the Royals. Maban Jabriel of Waterloo, Canada, also scored 16.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair featuring 11 lead changes. Queens used a 9-0 run midway through the period to build its largest lead at 27-16, but Central Arkansas chipped away, closing the gap to five by halftime behind 12 points from Hunter.

Statistical efficiency told the story of the Bears’ victory. Central Arkansas scored 100 points on just 74 possessions, an elite offensive rating of 134.9, by shooting 54.5% from the field and a stellar 28 of 34 from the free-throw line. Queens, while shooting 50% overall and 44.7% from three-point range, managed an offensive rating of 120.0 on 75 possessions and was hampered by 11 turnovers and only four assists.

Central Arkansas also dominated the hustle categories, out-rebounding Queens on the offensive glass 6-4 and tallying more than twice as many assists, 9-4, and steals, 9-4.

The 190 total points sailed far past the sportsbook over/under line of 157.

The Bears will look to build on the momentum Saturday when they host Eastern Kentucky. Queens, meanwhile, will aim to regroup on the road Saturday at Bellarmine. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Conway, Arkansas, on Feb. 28.