Kentucky Wildcats Defeat Bellarmine Knights 99-85
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 1:00 PM ET · Rupp Arena
Kentucky Wildcats 99, Bellarmine Knights 85, 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 Kentucky Wildcats?
Kentucky Wildcats beat Bellarmine Knights 99-85 at Rupp Arena on December 23, 2025.
In a high-scoring encounter at Rupp Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats triumphed over the Bellarmine Knights with a final score of 99-85. This matchup showcased the Wildcats' offensive prowess, particularly as they extended their winning streak to three games. Kentucky's recent form has been strong, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, averaging 82.1 points scored while allowing 68.6 points per game. The Wildcats have performed well at home, boasting a home record of 6-3 this season.
Bellarmine, on the other hand, has had a mixed bag of results, holding a record of 5-4-1 in their last ten games, with an average of 72.5 points scored and 64.7 points allowed. Their away record stands at 1-2, indicating some struggles outside of their home venue. The Knights entered this game with a recent win against the Chattanooga Mocs, suggesting they were looking to build momentum.
The odds for this matchup, provided by DraftKings, favored Kentucky significantly, with a spread of -34.5 and a total set at 152.5. This indicated a strong expectation for Kentucky to dominate the game, which they did, ultimately covering the spread comfortably.
The game featured a series of scoring plays that highlighted both teams' offensive capabilities. Kentucky's ability to score from various positions on the court was evident, while Bellarmine fought hard to keep pace, particularly in the second half. Notable plays included a three-point jumper by Kam Williams and several free throws converted by Jack Karasinski, which kept the Knights competitive even as the Wildcats pulled ahead.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences that would impact the game, allowing both teams to field their best lineups. The conditions in Rupp Arena were typical for a December evening, with a home crowd that undoubtedly provided a boost to the Wildcats.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of offensive basketball, with both teams exchanging baskets and showcasing their shooting skills. Kentucky's ability to maintain a high scoring average was on full display, while Bellarmine's efforts to respond highlighted their resilience.
Ultimately, Kentucky's victory solidified their position as a formidable force in the NCAAB landscape, while Bellarmine will look to regroup and build on their performance as they continue through the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UK -34.5 | 152.5 o -112 / u -108 | Bellarmine Knights — · Kentucky Wildcats — |
Leaders
- PointsKam Williams26Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsOtega Oweh10Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsOtega Oweh8Kentucky Wildcats
- PointsJack Karasinski24Bellarmine Knights
- AssistsKenyon Goodin4Bellarmine Knights
- ReboundsMichael Wilson Jr.5Bellarmine Knights
Recent form
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W382.1 scored · 68.6 allowed per game6-3 at home
- W78-66vs St. John's Red StormDec 20
- W72-60vs Indiana HoosiersDec 14
- W103-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 10
- L59-94vs Gonzaga BulldogsDec 6
- L64-67vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 3
- W104-54vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 27
- W88-46vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsNov 22
- L66-83vs Michigan State SpartansNov 18
- W99-53vs Eastern Illinois PanthersNov 15
- L88-96at Louisville CardinalsNov 12
Bellarmine Knights
Last 10: 5-4-1Streak W172.5 scored · 64.7 allowed per game1-2 away
- W79-64vs Chattanooga MocsDec 18
- L76-80vs Northern Kentucky NorseDec 13
- L68-81at Murray State RacersDec 6
- W99-60vs Midway EaglesDec 4
- D0-0at Northern Illinois HuskiesNov 29
- W74-69vs Houston Christian HuskiesNov 26
- W70-58at The Citadel BulldogsNov 25
- L79-86at Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 20
- L86-94vs Wofford TerriersNov 15
- W94-55vs Hanover PanthersNov 13
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 |
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Bellarmine Knights | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-50 | 33-56 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 59 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 16-30 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 53 |
| Free throws | 26-30 | 17-24 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 18 |
| Assists | 15 | 24 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 34 |
| Fouls | 20 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 6 | 90 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-64Brian Waddell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-64Donovan Hunter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brian Waddell assists)
- 2nd Half54-65Jayden Quaintance makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-65Brian Waddell makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Donovan Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half56-68Kam Williams makes 31-foot three point jumper (Jasper Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half56-71Kam Williams makes 27-foot three point jumper (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half56-74Kam Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half58-74Kenyon Goodin makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half59-74Jack Karasinski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-75Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-76Malachi Moreno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-76Kenyon Goodin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-76Kenyon Goodin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-76Donovan Hunter makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half63-78Malachi Moreno makes 3-foot dunk (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half65-78Jack Karasinski makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-81Kam Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half65-82Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-83Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-83Sam Donald makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brian Waddell assists)
- 2nd Half68-84Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-85Malachi Moreno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-85Jack Karasinski makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sam Donald assists)
- 2nd Half71-86Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-86Michael Wilson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-86Michael Wilson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-89Denzel Aberdeen makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half75-89Michael Wilson Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-89Michael Wilson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-92Kam Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half78-92Tyler Doyle makes layup
- 2nd Half79-92Tyler Doyle makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half79-94Mouhamed Dioubate makes layup
- 2nd Half80-94Jack Karasinski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-94Jack Karasinski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-97Kam Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half82-97Jack Karasinski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-97Jack Karasinski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-99Mouhamed Dioubate makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half85-99Grant Whitaker makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours Bellarmine Knights.
Venue
- Rupp ArenaLexington, KY
- Attendance19706
- OfficialsJason Baker, Courtney Green, Anthony Eades
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