Central Arkansas Bears Defeat Bellarmine Knights 86-73
Friday, March 6, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Central Arkansas Bears 86, Bellarmine Knights 73, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Bellarmine Knights vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Central Arkansas Bears beat Bellarmine Knights 86-73 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Bellarmine Knights vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Central Arkansas Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, the Central Arkansas Bears claimed victory over the Bellarmine Knights with a final score of 86-73. This win solidifies Central Arkansas's strong home performance, bringing their record to 21-11 for the season, while Bellarmine finishes at 13-19.
Central Arkansas has been in impressive form, winning 9 of their last 10 games, with a current winning streak of 2. They averaged 82.8 points per game during this stretch while allowing 74.0 points. Their recent victories include a close win against the Queens University Royals, where they triumphed 84-79, and a high-scoring affair against Austin Peay, winning 93-88. Notably, they also defeated Bellarmine earlier in the season on February 12, 2026, with a score of 84-76.
In contrast, Bellarmine's recent performance has been mixed, with a record of 5-5 in their last 10 games. They are currently on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins 82-79 and Austin Peay 111-97. However, their away record has been less favorable, with no wins in their last three away games. Their last encounter with Central Arkansas ended in a loss, which may have impacted their confidence going into this matchup.
Historically, the Bears have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Knights, leading the head-to-head record 2-1 over the last two seasons. In addition to their victory on February 12, they also won a previous matchup on January 4, 2025, with a score of 71-65, while Bellarmine managed to secure a win against Central Arkansas on January 9, 2026, with a score of 84-78.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had to manage their rosters throughout the season. The absence of key players can often influence the outcome of such tightly contested games.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Central Arkansas favored by a spread of -6.5, with a total points line set at 154.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in the Bears' ability to cover the spread, reflecting their recent form and home advantage.
The game conditions at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early on. Central Arkansas's scoring prowess was on display, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away with crucial plays that kept the momentum in their favor.
Key moments in the second half included Camren Hunter's layup that extended the Bears' lead to 82-66, followed by Luke Moore's contribution, which further solidified their advantage. Bellarmine attempted to rally back, with Jack Karasinski and Sam Donald making critical shots, but Central Arkansas maintained control, ultimately sealing the game with free throws from Hunter and Brian Waddell.
Viewers should note how Central Arkansas's offensive strategy, characterized by high-scoring plays and effective ball movement, played a pivotal role in their success against Bellarmine. The Bears' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, combined with their defensive efforts, proved decisive in this matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CARK -6.5 | 154.5 o -108 / u -112 | Bellarmine Knights +270 · Central Arkansas Bears -340 |
Leaders
- PointsCamren Hunter31Central Arkansas Bears
- AssistsLuke Moore7Central Arkansas Bears
- ReboundsJavion Guy-King6Central Arkansas Bears
- PointsJack Karasinski23Bellarmine Knights
- AssistsTyler Doyle6Bellarmine Knights
- ReboundsBrian Waddell5Bellarmine Knights
Recent form
Central Arkansas Bears
Last 10: 9-1Streak W282.8 scored · 74 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W84-79vs Queens University RoyalsFeb 28
- W93-88at Austin Peay GovernorsFeb 26
- L71-75at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesFeb 21
- W88-76at Stetson HattersFeb 20
- W79-62vs West Georgia WolvesFeb 14
- W84-76vs Bellarmine KnightsFeb 12
- W72-65at North Alabama LionsFeb 10
- W86-78at Lipscomb BisonsFeb 7
- W81-60vs North Alabama LionsFeb 5
- W90-81vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsJan 31
Bellarmine Knights
Last 10: 5-5Streak W282.2 scored · 80.4 allowed per game0-3 away
- W82-79vs Jacksonville DolphinsMar 4
- W111-97vs Austin Peay GovernorsFeb 28
- L68-73at North Alabama LionsFeb 26
- L92-95vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsFeb 22
- L72-75vs Lipscomb BisonsFeb 19
- L70-90at Austin Peay GovernorsFeb 14
- L76-84at Central Arkansas BearsFeb 12
- W81-65vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesFeb 7
- W92-71vs Stetson HattersFeb 6
- W78-75vs Queens University RoyalsJan 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay | 22-9 | +1 | 15-3 |
| Central Arkansas | 22-12 | +1 | 15-3 |
| Queens University | 21-14 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Lipscomb | 19-13 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Florida Gulf Coast | 16-18 | 7 | 8-10 |
| West Georgia | 15-17 | 6 | 8-10 |
| Bellarmine | 13-19 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Jacksonville | 12-20 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Stetson | 12-21 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Eastern Kentucky | 11-21 | 7 | 7-11 |
| North Florida | 7-25 | 10 | 5-13 |
| North Alabama | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Bellarmine Knights | Central Arkansas Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-52 | 31-53 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 9-26 | 13-26 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 50 |
| Free throws | 10-14 | 11-14 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 19 |
| Assists | 18 | 18 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 34 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 3 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half34-54Camren Hunter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half34-57Ty Robinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half34-59Camren Hunter makes layup (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half35-59Brian Waddell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-59Brian Waddell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-62Harry Beauchamp makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cole McCormick assists)
- 2nd Half39-62Tyler Doyle makes 27-foot three point jumper (Brian Waddell assists)
- 2nd Half41-62Jacob Wassler makes layup (Sam Donald assists)
- 2nd Half41-65Tyler Lee makes 23-foot three point jumper (Harry Beauchamp assists)
- 2nd Half41-68Harry Beauchamp makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half43-68Myles Watkins makes layup (Jack Karasinski assists)
- 2nd Half45-68Brian Waddell makes layup (Sam Donald assists)
- 2nd Half47-68Myles Watkins makes layup
- 2nd Half47-70Harry Beauchamp makes layup
- 2nd Half47-72Harry Beauchamp makes layup (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half50-72Sam Donald makes 25-foot three point jumper (Myles Watkins assists)
- 2nd Half50-73Luke Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-74Luke Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-74Tyler Doyle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-74Sam Donald makes layup (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half54-74Sam Donald makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-74Jack Karasinski makes layup
- 2nd Half56-76Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half56-77Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-77Jack Karasinski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-77Jack Karasinski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-77Jack Karasinski makes 2-foot dunk (Brian Waddell assists)
- 2nd Half60-79Ty Robinson makes layup
- 2nd Half62-79Kenyon Goodin makes layup (Jack Karasinski assists)
- 2nd Half63-79Kenyon Goodin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-80Malchiah Marable makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-80Brian Waddell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kenyon Goodin assists)
- 2nd Half66-82Camren Hunter makes layup (Malchiah Marable assists)
- 2nd Half66-84Luke Moore makes layup (Camren Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half68-84Jack Karasinski makes 3-foot jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half71-84Sam Donald makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half71-85Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-86Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-86Brian Waddell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-86Brian Waddell makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Arkansas Bears, below favours Bellarmine Knights.
Venue
- VyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaJacksonville, FL
- OfficialsKenny Totten, Adam James, Kyle Stewart
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