Eastern Kentucky Dominates Bellarmine in 89-69 Victory
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Baptist Health Arena
Eastern Kentucky Colonels 89, Bellarmine Knights 69, 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 Eastern Kentucky Colonels?
Eastern Kentucky Colonels beat Bellarmine Knights 89-69 at Baptist Health Arena on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Bellarmine Knights vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels?
Eastern Kentucky Colonels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels triumphed over the Bellarmine Knights with a final score of 89-69 at Baptist Health Arena. This victory marked a significant moment for the Colonels, who improved their season record to 8-12, while the Knights fell to 6-13. The game showcased Eastern Kentucky's offensive prowess, particularly in the second half, where they outscored Bellarmine significantly.
Eastern Kentucky entered the game with a home record of 7-12, having recently shown a mixed form with a 5-5 record in their last ten games. However, they were on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Austin Peay Governors just two days prior. The Colonels averaged 78.2 points scored and allowed 76.0 points during this stretch, indicating a propensity for high-scoring games. Their recent performances included notable wins against Central Arkansas and North Alabama, both of which contributed to their scoring average.
On the other hand, Bellarmine came into the game with a 6-12 record and had struggled, recording a 3-7 record in their last ten games. They were on a two-game losing streak, having lost to Lipscomb and North Alabama. The Knights averaged 79.6 points scored and allowed 81.0 points during this period, reflecting their challenges on the defensive end. Their last victory came against Central Arkansas, but they had not found success in their most recent outings, particularly on the road, where they struggled with an away record of 0-5.
The matchup between these two teams was also notable for their previous encounters, which were evenly split at one win apiece. In their last meeting on February 20, 2025, Bellarmine edged out Eastern Kentucky with a score of 80-74. However, in their earlier clash on January 19, 2025, the Colonels secured a narrow victory, winning 72-69. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, as both teams aimed to assert dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial matchup. This allowed for a competitive environment where both teams could showcase their best players.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Eastern Kentucky favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds indicated a belief in a high-scoring affair, which aligned with the offensive capabilities of both teams. Eastern Kentucky's moneyline was listed at -245, while Bellarmine's was at +200, reflecting the Colonels' status as the favorites.
The game conditions were typical for a mid-January evening in Kentucky, with fans filling the stands at Baptist Health Arena, creating an electric atmosphere. The Colonels capitalized on their home-court advantage, which has historically been a factor in their performance.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a flurry of scoring plays, particularly from Eastern Kentucky's Myles Watkins, who was instrumental in the second half. Notable moments included a two-foot dunk by Montavious Myrick and multiple free throws that extended the Colonels' lead. The Colonels' ability to convert crucial plays in the paint and from the free-throw line proved pivotal in maintaining their advantage.
In summary, Eastern Kentucky's comprehensive victory over Bellarmine highlighted their offensive capabilities and ability to perform under pressure. The Colonels' balanced scoring and effective defense allowed them to secure a commanding win, while Bellarmine will need to regroup as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | EKU -5.5 | 156.5 o -108 / u -112 | Bellarmine Knights +200 · Eastern Kentucky Colonels -245 |
Leaders
- PointsMJ Williams16Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- AssistsJuan Cranford Jr.5Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- ReboundsJalen Cooper14Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- PointsBrian Waddell15Bellarmine Knights
- AssistsTyler Doyle5Bellarmine Knights
- ReboundsKenyon Goodin6Bellarmine Knights
Recent form
Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.2 scored · 76 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L72-74at Austin Peay GovernorsJan 16
- W79-75vs Central Arkansas BearsJan 10
- W88-80vs North Alabama LionsJan 9
- L76-88at West Georgia WolvesJan 3
- L89-91at Queens University RoyalsJan 2
- L57-88at Wichita State ShockersDec 21
- W62-59at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 18
- L69-79vs Miami (OH) RedHawksDec 13
- W68-59at Eastern Illinois PanthersDec 11
- W122-67vs IU East IU EASTDec 6
Bellarmine Knights
Last 10: 3-7Streak L279.6 scored · 81 allowed per game0-5 away
- L71-81at Lipscomb BisonsJan 16
- L73-82vs North Alabama LionsJan 10
- W84-78vs Central Arkansas BearsJan 9
- L76-98at Queens University RoyalsJan 3
- L85-87at West Georgia WolvesJan 2
- L85-99at Kentucky WildcatsDec 23
- W79-64vs Chattanooga MocsDec 18
- L76-80vs Northern Kentucky NorseDec 13
- L68-81at Murray State RacersDec 6
- W99-60vs Midway EaglesDec 4
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 | Eastern Kentucky Colonels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-50 | 28-53 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 6-23 | 17-34 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 50 |
| Free throws | 23-29 | 16-21 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 22 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 0 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 22 |
| Fouls | 18 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 22 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 8 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-53MJ Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half41-54MJ Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-55MJ Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-55Darrius Bolden makes layup
- 2nd Half43-58MJ Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Austin Ball assists)
- 2nd Half43-61Jackson Holt makes 24-foot three point jumper (Austin Ball assists)
- 2nd Half45-61Jack Karasinski makes layup (Kenyon Goodin assists)
- 2nd Half45-62Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-62Grant Whitaker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-65MJ Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-65Darrius Bolden makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half49-68MJ Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-68Brian Waddell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-68Brian Waddell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-70Jalen Cooper makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half53-70Brian Waddell makes 2-foot dunk (Kenyon Goodin assists)
- 2nd Half53-73Jackson Holt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Juan Cranford Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half54-73Darrius Bolden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-73Darrius Bolden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-73Darrius Bolden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-74Jackson Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-75Jackson Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-75Brian Waddell makes layup (Kenyon Goodin assists)
- 2nd Half58-78Jackson Holt makes 24-foot three point jumper (Juan Cranford Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half58-79Turner Buttry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-80Turner Buttry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-80Tyler Doyle makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-80Kenyon Goodin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-80Kenyon Goodin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-83MJ Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half63-83Myles Watkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-83Myles Watkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-85Montavious Myrick makes 2-foot dunk (Juan Cranford Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half65-85Myles Watkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-85Myles Watkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-87Jayden Harris makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half68-87Myles Watkins makes layup (Tommy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half69-87Myles Watkins makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-88Jalen Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-89Jalen Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Eastern Kentucky Colonels, below favours Bellarmine Knights.
Venue
- Baptist Health ArenaRichmond, KY
- Attendance1511
- OfficialsJason Creek, Aaron Denton, Kyle Ray
Elsewhere
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