CONWAY, Ark. – Despite a career-24 points from redshirt freshman, Christian Peevy, and a career-tying performance from junior Charles Brown III, the University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball had no answer for the fifth-leading scorer in the nation, as Jordan Howard and Central Arkansas upended the Cardinals, 92-76, Wednesday evening from the Farris Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Howard scored 22 of his career-high 41 points in the first half, as UCA (9-9 overall, 3-2 SLC) shot 53 percent from the floor in the first half in cruising to a 53-30 halftime lead.

The Bears picked up where they left off as Thatch Unruh nailed a three-pointer to start the second half. A Peevy layup started a 10-0 run for UIW (5-9, 0-4) to cut the deficit to 14 (55-48). Peevy had six of the points during the run.

A trey by Sam Burmeister, followed by a Shawn Johnson dunk brought UIW within seven (62-55) with 13:10 remaining in regulation.

After the teams exchanged baskets and UIW still trailing by seven following a pair of Brown III free throws, the Bears slowly increased their lead, outscoring UIW 18-7 in a five minutes span to take a 15-point lead (79-64). Peevy's layup brought the Cardinals within 13 with 5:48 remaining, but Hayden Koval hit a three-pointer and Howard forced a steal on the ensuing UIW possession and made a layup to lead by 18 with two minutes to go.

LEADERS

Peevy shot 10-for-15 from the floor with a game-high nine rebounds to lead the Cardinals. Brown III tied his career mark of 24 points, as he went 5-for-9 from the floor and 14-for-15 from the charity stripe. His eight rebounds were one shy of Peevy's mark. Burmeister came off the bench to score 12 points with six rebounds. Despite a poor shooting night, Johnson tied his season high of four blocked shots.

Howard not only scored a career-high 41 points to lead UCA, but it was a Division I program record. The two-time Southland Conference Player of the Week shot 50 percent from the floor (11-for-22), was 4-for-9 from beyond the arc, and 15-for-17 from the line. His eight rebounds tied Koval for the team high.

UP NEXT

UIW looks to snap its six-game losing streak at Stephen F. Austin on Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN3.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals return home to face Lamar on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.