CONWAY, Ark. (AP) -Tadre Sheppard took home a double-double, scoring 23 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, as Central Arkansas defeated Ecclesia 76-53 on Tuesday night.
The Bears (6-8) got ahead early, leading 23-5 after just the first 12 minutes. Sheppard accounted for 12 of those points.
The Bears went on to lead by as many as 26 midway through the second half.
Imad Qahwash added a career-high 12 points for the Bears, while Dewan Clayborn put in 11 off the bench.
The Royals (9-7) did better from the bench overall, holding a 24-20 advantage. Travis Smith scored 18 of Ecclesia's points off the bench.
Royals starter Eric Womack led the game in scoring with 25 points, including sinking five shots from long distance.
