FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Interstat) — In a thrilling in-state showdown that required an extra period to decide, the Arkansas Razorbacks outlasted a tenacious Central Arkansas Bears squad 89-77 in a women’s NCAA basketball game Monday night at Bud Walton Arena.

The game, played before a crowd of 1,981, saw the Razorbacks improve to 3-0 on the young season, while the Bears fell to 1-2.

The contest was a tale of two halves and a dominant overtime. Central Arkansas, the visiting team, came out with remarkable energy, building a surprising lead in the first half. The Bears’ early offensive outburst was fueled by efficient scoring, and they took a 41-37 advantage into the halftime break.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to secure a decisive lead. Arkansas slowly chipped away at the deficit, matching the Bears basket for basket through the third and fourth quarters. The Razorbacks managed to force overtime by outscoring Central Arkansas 17-13 in the final quarter of regulation, setting the stage for the extra session.

Overtime belonged entirely to Arkansas. The Razorbacks exploded for 15 points while holding Central Arkansas to just three, finally pulling away for the 12-point victory. The Bears’ offense, which had been effective for much of the game, went cold at the most critical juncture.

Statistically, the game was closer than the final score indicated. Arkansas secured the win largely at the free-throw line, converting 28 of 36 attempts. Central Arkansas, by contrast, shot 10 of 16 from the stripe. From the field, the Bears actually took more shots, going 30 for 77, while the Razorbacks were 26 for 72. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with Central Arkansas making 7 of 29 three-point attempts and Arkansas connecting on 9 of 26.

Bonnie Deas led all scorers for Arkansas, pouring in 18 points in 36 minutes of action. She was instrumental in the Razorbacks’ overtime surge. Harmonie Ware added 14 points, while Maria Anais Rodriguez and Emily Robinson chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively. Robinson’s clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter helped force the overtime period.

For Central Arkansas, Cheyanne Kemp was the high-point woman with 19 points. Bree Stephens and Shae Littleford each contributed 16 points in the losing effort. Jenna Cook added 13 points for the Bears.

Both teams were nearly even in several categories, with each grabbing 13 offensive rebounds. Arkansas narrowly led in assists, 5 to 3, and steals, 5 to 3. The Razorbacks also recorded four blocks.

The game was a significant test for both programs. Central Arkansas, coming off a 115-43 rout of Lyon but a 71-78 loss to Missouri, demonstrated it could compete with a Power Five opponent on the road. Arkansas, following decisive wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Louisiana Tech, faced its first serious challenge of the season and found a way to win.

Looking ahead, Arkansas will host Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday. Central Arkansas returns home to face Arkansas State on Nov. 19.