Bellarmine Knights Edge Central Arkansas in Overtime Thriller
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Knights Hall
Bellarmine Knights 84, Central Arkansas Bears 78, 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 Central Arkansas Bears vs Bellarmine Knights?
Bellarmine Knights beat Central Arkansas Bears 84-78 at Knights Hall on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Arkansas Bears vs Bellarmine Knights?
Central Arkansas Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
In a gripping contest that went to overtime, the Bellarmine Knights triumphed over the Central Arkansas Bears with a final score of 84-78. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Knights, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this match. The game was held at Knights Hall, where the Knights have a home record of 3-1 in their last four games.
The Knights entered the game with a record of 6-9, while the Bears were slightly ahead at 7-9. Bellarmine's recent form had been concerning, with a record of 4-5-1 over their last ten games, averaging 71.2 points scored and allowing 69.6. Their last five games, however, had seen them average 80.2 points but also concede an average of 85.6, indicating defensive struggles. In contrast, Central Arkansas had been performing better, boasting a 6-4 record in their last ten outings, with an impressive scoring average of 81.7 points while allowing 71.2.
The game was tightly contested throughout, reflecting the teams' closely matched records. Bellarmine had previously faced Central Arkansas on January 4, 2025, where they lost 65-71. This time, however, they managed to turn the tables in a dramatic fashion. The Knights' home advantage was evident, as they have performed significantly better at home compared to their away record of 1-4.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Central Arkansas favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, and the game certainly lived up to that expectation. The conditions at Knights Hall were conducive to a high-energy game, and the crowd was treated to a thrilling overtime finish.
In the overtime period, the scoring was intense, with key plays from both sides. Donovan Hunter made a crucial 26-foot three-point jumper, giving the Knights a slight edge. Ty Robinson responded with a three-pointer of his own for the Bears, keeping the game within reach. The back-and-forth continued as Robinson made a driving layup to briefly give Central Arkansas the lead. However, Bellarmine's Hunter struck again with a long three-pointer, regaining the advantage for the Knights.
As the overtime progressed, free throws from Tyler Doyle and Sam Donald helped solidify Bellarmine's lead, culminating in their 84-78 victory. The Knights' ability to execute under pressure was a decisive factor in their win, showcasing their resilience after a tough stretch of games.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players affected, indicating that both teams were likely at full strength for this pivotal matchup. This absence of injury concerns allowed both squads to field their best lineups, contributing to the high level of play witnessed during the game.
Overall, this matchup was noteworthy not only for the thrilling finish but also for the implications it holds for both teams moving forward. Bellarmine's victory could serve as a catalyst for improved performance in the remainder of the season, while Central Arkansas will need to regroup after this tough overtime loss.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CARK -2.5 | 154.5 o -112 / u -108 | Central Arkansas Bears -148 · Bellarmine Knights +124 |
Leaders
- PointsKenyon Goodin20Bellarmine Knights
- AssistsTyler Doyle5Bellarmine Knights
- ReboundsSam Donald9Bellarmine Knights
- PointsTy Robinson24Central Arkansas Bears
- AssistsTy Robinson5Central Arkansas Bears
- ReboundsCamren Hunter10Central Arkansas Bears
Recent form
Bellarmine Knights
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak L371.2 scored · 69.6 allowed per game3-1 at home
- 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
- D0-0at Northern Illinois HuskiesNov 29
- W74-69vs Houston Christian HuskiesNov 26
- W70-58at The Citadel BulldogsNov 25
Central Arkansas Bears
Last 10: 6-4Streak W281.7 scored · 71.2 allowed per game0-4 away
- W93-73vs Stetson HattersJan 3
- W85-83vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesJan 1
- L82-99at SMU MustangsDec 21
- W102-47vs Kansas Christian FalconsDec 17
- L72-83at Vanderbilt CommodoresDec 13
- L68-75at East Texas A&M LionsDec 7
- W85-47vs Little Rock TrojansDec 4
- L57-80at East Tennessee State BuccaneersNov 29
- W81-60vs Eastern Illinois PanthersNov 26
- W92-65vs Eastern Washington EaglesNov 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Central Arkansas Bears | Bellarmine Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-74 | 31-60 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 13-42 | 12-32 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 38 |
| Free throws | 13-16 | 10-14 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 34 |
| Assists | 15 | 18 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 34 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 43 | 50 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-43Ty Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-43Ty Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-43Javion Guy-King makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-46Jack Karasinski makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half45-46Javion Guy-King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-46Javion Guy-King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-48Brian Waddell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-48Javion Guy-King makes 26-foot three point jumper (Harry Beauchamp assists)
- 2nd Half49-50Jack Karasinski makes layup
- 2nd Half49-52Sam Donald makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half52-52Javion Guy-King makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cole McCormick assists)
- 2nd Half52-55Jack Karasinski makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sam Donald assists)
- 2nd Half54-55Ty Robinson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-57Brian Waddell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half55-57Luke Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Luke Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Donovan Hunter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half56-62Brian Waddell makes layup (Darrius Bolden assists)
- 2nd Half58-62Camren Hunter makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half58-64Brian Waddell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-65Brian Waddell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-65Camren Hunter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-65Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half64-65Camren Hunter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-67Kenyon Goodin makes layup (Sam Donald assists)
- 2nd Half66-67Harry Beauchamp makes layup (Ty Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half68-67Camren Hunter makes layup (Cole McCormick assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Donovan Hunter makes layup (Brian Waddell assists)
- 2nd Half68-71Sam Donald makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half71-71Javion Guy-King makes 27-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- OT71-74Kenyon Goodin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Hunter assists)
- OT73-74Cole McCormick makes layup (Ty Robinson assists)
- OT73-77Donovan Hunter makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sam Donald assists)
- OT76-77Ty Robinson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Camren Hunter assists)
- OT78-77Ty Robinson makes driving layup
- OT78-80Donovan Hunter makes 30-foot three point jumper
- OT78-81Tyler Doyle makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT78-82Tyler Doyle makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT78-83Sam Donald makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT78-84Sam Donald makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Bellarmine Knights, below favours Central Arkansas Bears.
Venue
- Knights HallLouisville, KY
- Attendance1752
- OfficialsGarrick Shannon, Patrick Harwood, Dan Powers
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