GRAMBLING, La. (Interstat) — The Central Arkansas women’s basketball team used a dominant first quarter to build a substantial lead and then held off a persistent Grambling squad for an 82-75 victory on Saturday afternoon at Fredrick Hobdy Assembly Center.

The Bears (7-3) raced out to a 17-10 lead after the opening period, capitalizing on early Grambling turnovers and cold shooting. That initial cushion proved vital as the Lady Tigers (1-9) found their rhythm, mounting several challenges throughout the contest but never managing to erase the deficit entirely.

Central Arkansas expanded its lead to 36-34 by halftime, but the third quarter became the game’s pivotal stretch. Grambling, led by Monica Marsh’s offensive creation, closed the gap to a single possession on multiple occasions. The Lady Tigers’ surge culminated in a 3-pointer from Arianna Mosley with 7:15 left in the third, pulling them within 40-37 and threatening to completely overturn the Bears’ early work.

The Bears responded decisively. Sparked by balanced scoring, they closed the third quarter on a 19-18 run to take a 59-55 lead into the final frame. Each time Grambling made a push in the fourth, Central Arkansas had an answer, often from Jenna Cook or Cheyanne Kemp, to maintain control.

Cook, a guard from Cabot, Arkansas, led the Bears with 16 points. Kemp added 15, while Shae Littleford and Bree Stephens each contributed 13 points. Stephens also recorded two blocks defensively. The Bears scored 30 points in the paint and committed just enough fewer mistakes to keep Grambling at bay.

Grambling was powered by a game-high 16 points from Monica Marsh of Plano, Texas, who also dished out four assists. Zaria Johnson and Jamirica Roberson each added 12 points for the Lady Tigers, who shot themselves in the foot with 21 turnovers, which Central Arkansas converted into 12 points.

Despite the loss, Grambling showed fight, outscoring Central Arkansas in the second, third, and fourth quarters after the disastrous start. The Lady Tigers also won the rebounding battle and matched the Bears’ points-off-turnovers output, but the early hole was too deep to escape.

The announced attendance was 789. Central Arkansas will travel to face Louisiana Tech on Wednesday. Grambling will host Jarvis Christian on Monday.