JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — Camren Hunter scored 31 points and Central Arkansas used a blistering first-half shooting display to build a commanding lead it never relinquished, defeating Bellarmine 86-73 in an ASUN Conference men’s basketball game Friday afternoon at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

The Bears, who entered the game with a 76% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, covered the 5.5-point spread as favorites. The combined score of 159 points narrowly surpassed the over/under line of 159.5.

Central Arkansas improved to 21-11 overall, while Bellarmine concluded its season at 13-19.

The most critical phase of the game was the opening 20 minutes, where Central Arkansas established a decisive advantage. The Bears shot a scorching 61% from the field in the first half, including 8 of 15 from three-point range, to race to a 48-34 halftime lead. Their offensive efficiency was staggering, posting a first-half offensive rating of 133.0 by scoring 86 points on just 65 possessions for the game. Bellarmine, despite a respectable 114.7 offensive rating of its own, could not keep pace with the Bears’ torrid scoring.

Hunter, the Bears’ top performer, was the catalyst. He finished 12 of 18 from the floor, adding four rebounds and two assists. His scoring outburst continued a dominant stretch, following recent performances of 30, 20 and 24 points. Luke Moore provided crucial playmaking for Central Arkansas, dishing out seven assists to go with 14 points. Harrison Beauchamp added 12 points off the bench, and Ty Robinson contributed 12 points as the Bears placed four players in double figures.

Bellarmine was led by Jack Karasinski, who scored 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Brian Waddell added 15 points and five rebounds, while Tyler Doyle chipped in 12 points and six assists. The Knights shot 52% overall but were hampered by 11 turnovers, which Central Arkansas converted into 18 points. The Bears also dominated in transition, outscoring Bellarmine 13-2 on fastbreak opportunities.

The Knights made several pushes in the second half, closing the gap to 11 points on multiple occasions, but each time Central Arkansas had an answer, often from Hunter or a timely three-pointer. The Bears finished the game shooting 58.5% from the field and an even 50% from beyond the arc, making 13 of 26 attempts.

Central Arkansas secured a season series split with the victory. The teams had split two prior meetings this season, with each winning on its home floor, including an overtime win for Bellarmine in January.

The game was a showcase of efficient offense, with both teams posting strong shooting numbers, but Central Arkansas’s first-half explosion and ability to capitalize on Bellarmine’s mistakes proved to be the difference. The Bears’ victory solidified a winning season record and provided momentum, while Bellarmine’s season came to a close with the conference tournament on the horizon.