CONWAY, Ark. – The Lamar University women's basketball program fell to Central Arkansas on Wednesday night in the Farris Center by a score of 53-29.

The Cardinals shooting woes proved costly in the first half as the Sugar Bear defense held Lamar to just seven percent shooting in the first quarter and 33 percent in the second. Senior Briana Laidler helped Lamar defensively with six rebounds and four blocks. Central Arkansas shot 30 percent in the first half backed by twin sisters Ayanna and Brianna Trigg, who both finished the first half with six points each as the Sugar Bears to the lead into the break, 25-9, over the Cardinals.

Lamar's shooting woes followed into the third as they went on to be limited by the Sugar Bears to just 23 percent in the quarter. Laidler continued to lead the Cardinal defense, but it was not enough as Central Arkansas shot 44 percent from the field in the third.

The Cardinals found a little grove in the fourth where they finished shooting ?? percent in the frame, but it was not enough as the Sugar Bears took the victory, 53-29. Lamar falls to 9-12 overall and 5-7 in Southland play, while Central Arkansas improves to 10-11 overall and 6-6 in Southland play. Laidler finished the night with five points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

Freshman Malay McQueen led offensively with seven points on 3-for-10 shooting. Junior Jadyn Pimentel finished the night with five points, two steals and two assists.

Up Next: The Cardinals head back home to host Abilene Christian on Saturday, February 8, in the second meeting this season between the programs with tip-off scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. start time. The contest will also be broadcasted on ESPN+.