Palmer sparks late run by Corpus Christi in 64-59 win over Central Arkansas

Palmer lifts Corpus Christi to 64-59 victory

CONWAY, Ark. — Kevin Palmer scored eight points during a late 10-0 run by Texas A&M Corpus Christi as the Islanders defeated Central Arkansas 64-59 Saturday in the Southland Conference opener for both teams.

Palmer, who finished with 23 points, hit a pair of free throws with 1:50 remaining to break a 51-51 tie and send Corpus Christi on its game-deciding run. Eight of the 10 points for the Islanders came from the free-throw line — a dunk by Palmer being the lone basket. Palmer was 6 for 6 from the line during the stretch.

Demond Watt added 12 points and 11 rebounds for Corpus Christi (6-8).

Chris Poellnitz had 17 points and Mitch Rueter 14 for Central Arkansas (6-9), which hit only 3 of 14 free throws in the game.

The Bears scored the first eight points of the game and led 29-20 with 2:50 left in the first half before Corpus Christi went on an 8-0 before halftime.