Central Arkansas starts strong, beats NW State 95-78 (Jan 27, 2018)

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) Jordan Howard scored 21 of his 29 points in the first half as Central Arkansas sprinted to an early lead and coasted to a 95-78 win over Northwestern State in Southland Conference play on Saturday.

Howard had a career-best 43 points when Central Arkansas knocked off Stephen F. Austin 100-92 on Wednesday night.

Mathieu Kamba finished with 14 points with six rebounds and four assists. Hayden Koval added 12 points while grabbing seven rebounds and Deandre Jones chipped in 12 points with five assists.

The Bears hit 59 percent of their shots in the first half and finished making 35 of 63 (56 percent). Northwestern State made 43 percent from the floor in the first period and made 30 of 60 (50 percent) for the game.

Central Arkansas (12-11, 6-4) never trailed, taking a 54-30 lead into the break. The Demons could never make up the difference.

Ishmael Lane had 28 points to lead Northwestern State (3-17, 0-9).