Central Arkansas Bears Defeat North Alabama Lions 72-65
Monday, February 9, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall
Central Arkansas Bears 72, North Alabama Lions 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Central Arkansas Bears vs North Alabama Lions?
Central Arkansas Bears beat North Alabama Lions 72-65 at CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall on February 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Arkansas Bears vs North Alabama Lions?
Central Arkansas Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -310 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup at the CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall, the Central Arkansas Bears edged out the North Alabama Lions with a final score of 72-65. This victory marked the Bears' seventh consecutive win, further solidifying their strong form as they continue their push in the NCAAB season.
The Bears, now with an away record of 15-10, have been on a remarkable run, showcasing their offensive prowess with an average of 84.9 points scored in their last ten games. In contrast, the Lions, who now hold a home record of 7-16, struggled to find their rhythm, averaging just 69.2 points scored during the same stretch. North Alabama's recent form has been concerning, as they have lost their last two games, bringing their record over the last ten to 2-8.
In their previous meeting just days prior on February 5, 2026, the Bears convincingly defeated the Lions 81-60, demonstrating their dominance in head-to-head matchups this season. Overall, Central Arkansas has won two out of three encounters against North Alabama, with the Lions' only victory coming in the 2025 season.
The Bears' recent success can be attributed to their offensive consistency and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In their last five games, they have averaged 88.6 points, showcasing a potent attack that has overwhelmed opponents. On the other hand, the Lions have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 82.5 points per game in their last ten outings, which has contributed significantly to their recent losses.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability for either team, but the impact of injuries on team performance can often be significant, especially in tight games like this one.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated Central Arkansas as the favorites, with a spread of 6.5 points and a moneyline of -310, while North Alabama was priced at +250. The total for the game was set at 145.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring matchup.
Conditions during the game were typical for a mid-season college basketball contest, with both teams needing to adapt to the arena's atmosphere and the pressure of the matchup. Fans witnessed a tense second half where the Bears managed to pull ahead, thanks in part to key free throws from Camren Hunter, who played a pivotal role in sealing the victory.
As the game progressed, viewers could observe the strategic adjustments made by both coaches, particularly in how the Bears maintained their offensive flow while the Lions struggled to contain the Bears' scoring runs. The final moments of the game were marked by critical free throws that allowed Central Arkansas to maintain their lead and secure the win.
Overall, this matchup provided insights into the contrasting trajectories of both teams as the season progresses, with Central Arkansas continuing to build momentum while North Alabama seeks to find solutions to their ongoing struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CARK -6.5 | 145.5 o -115 / u -105 | Central Arkansas Bears -310 · North Alabama Lions +250 |
Leaders
- PointsDonte Bacchus17North Alabama Lions
- AssistsCorneilous Williams3North Alabama Lions
- ReboundsDallas Howell5North Alabama Lions
- PointsCamren Hunter28Central Arkansas Bears
- AssistsLuke Moore4Central Arkansas Bears
- ReboundsMalchiah Marable6Central Arkansas Bears
Recent form
North Alabama Lions
Last 10: 2-8Streak L269.2 scored · 82.5 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L62-91at Austin Peay GovernorsFeb 7
- L60-81at Central Arkansas BearsFeb 5
- W68-66at Stetson HattersJan 31
- L64-72at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesJan 30
- L62-87at Queens University RoyalsJan 22
- L68-90vs Jacksonville DolphinsJan 17
- L91-105vs North Florida OspreysJan 16
- W82-73at Bellarmine KnightsJan 10
- L80-88at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsJan 9
- L55-72vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesJan 3
Central Arkansas Bears
Last 10: 8-2Streak W784.9 scored · 73.9 allowed per game3-2 away
- W86-78at Lipscomb BisonsFeb 7
- W81-60vs North Alabama LionsFeb 5
- W90-81vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsJan 31
- W100-90at Queens University RoyalsJan 29
- W86-65at West Georgia WolvesJan 22
- W98-69vs North Florida OspreysJan 17
- W62-60vs Jacksonville DolphinsJan 16
- L75-79at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsJan 10
- L78-84at Bellarmine KnightsJan 9
- W93-73vs Stetson HattersJan 3
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 |
Box score
| Stat | Central Arkansas Bears | North Alabama Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-52 | 22-46 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 9-29 | 4-13 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 31 |
| Free throws | 17-23 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 23 |
| Assists | 11 | 12 |
| Steals | 10 | 8 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 10 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-40Corneilous Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half34-40Malchiah Marable makes layup
- 2nd Half34-42Donte Bacchus makes layup (Corneilous Williams assists)
- 2nd Half34-43Donte Bacchus makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half36-43Malchiah Marable makes layup
- 2nd Half38-43Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half39-43Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-43Malchiah Marable makes 2-foot dunk (Ty Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half41-44Cortez Graham-Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44Cole McCormick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-44Cole McCormick makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-47Donte Bacchus makes 25-foot three point jumper (Canin Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half47-47Javion Guy-King makes layup
- 2nd Half47-49Canin Jefferson makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half47-50Braylon Patton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-51Braylon Patton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-54Canin Jefferson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cortez Graham-Howard assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Camren Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half53-54Harry Beauchamp makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cole McCormick assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Donte Bacchus makes layup
- 2nd Half53-57Donte Bacchus makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-57Truman Byrne makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ty Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half56-59Kevin de Kovachich makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-59Luke Moore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Truman Byrne assists)
- 2nd Half60-59Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-59Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-60Kevin de Kovachich makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Canin Jefferson makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half61-62Canin Jefferson makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half61-64Dallas Howell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-64Camren Hunter makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cole McCormick assists)
- 2nd Half65-64Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-64Camren Hunter makes 17-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half70-65Canin Jefferson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Alabama Lions, below favours Central Arkansas Bears.
Venue
- CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers HallFlorence, AL
- Attendance2202
- OfficialsMick Fieldbinder, Freddie Williams, Evan Berg
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond