Top-seeded Central Arkansas women head to first NCAA tourney

KATY, Texas (AP) Brianna Mullins scored 17 points and top-seeded Central Arkansas earned its first NCAA Tournament berth in a 69-62 victory over No. 7 seed Sam Houston State on Sunday in the championship game of the Southland Conference Tournament.

The Sugar Bears wore down Sam Houston State, which played four games in four days, and had a 46-27 advantage on the glass - with 19 offensive rebounds. Central Arkansas received a double-bye to the semifinals.

Maggie Proffitt added 11 points for Central Arkansas (28-3), which was playing in its first tournament championship since 2011. Prior to this season, the Sugar Bears had lost five straight games in the tournament.

Angela Beadle recorded her fourth straight double-double of the tournament with 25 points and 12 rebounds for Sam Houston State (14-18). She totaled 80 points in four days and was named the MVP.

The Bearkats were the second team seeded seventh or higher to reach the Southland title game.