Eastern Kentucky Tops Bellarmine in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Knights Hall
Eastern Kentucky Colonels 95, Bellarmine Knights 92, 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 Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs Bellarmine Knights?
Eastern Kentucky Colonels beat Bellarmine Knights 95-92 at Knights Hall on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs Bellarmine Knights?
Eastern Kentucky Colonels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at Knights Hall, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels edged out the Bellarmine Knights with a final score of 95-92. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered the game with similar records, Eastern Kentucky at 11-18 and Bellarmine at 11-17, making it a crucial contest for both sides as they look to improve their standings.
The Knights have struggled recently, finishing their last ten games with a record of 5-5, but they were on a three-game losing streak heading into this game. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 80.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 81.0 points. In their last five games, Bellarmine managed to score an average of 78.2 points while allowing 77.0 points, indicating a defensive vulnerability that Eastern Kentucky sought to exploit.
Conversely, the Colonels had a mixed recent form, going 4-6 in their last ten matchups, but they entered this game with a win in their previous outing against the West Georgia Wolves. Eastern Kentucky averaged 80.9 points scored and 81.8 points allowed over their last ten games. Their last five games showed a slight improvement, with an average of 79.2 points scored and 80.2 points allowed.
The home and away records further highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Bellarmine had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while their away record was a dismal 1-4. Eastern Kentucky, on the other hand, had a home record of 4-1 but struggled on the road with an 0-5 away record in their last five.
In their previous meetings this season, Eastern Kentucky had bested Bellarmine decisively with a score of 89-69 in their last encounter on January 18, 2026. This recent history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as Bellarmine sought to avenge that loss. The overall head-to-head record between the two teams stood at 1-2 in favor of Eastern Kentucky, with Bellarmine winning their earlier meeting in the 2025 season.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the provided facts, but both teams were likely impacted by the wear and tear of a long season as they approached the final stretch of their schedules.
The market had priced Eastern Kentucky as slight favorites, with odds from DraftKings showing a spread of 1.5 points in favor of the Colonels. The total for the game was set at 153.5, with over odds at -112.0 and under odds at -108.0. Bellarmine's moneyline was set at +110.0, while Eastern Kentucky's was at -130.0, reflecting the close nature of the contest.
Conditions in Knights Hall were typical for a late February game, with both teams likely facing the usual challenges of fatigue and pressure as they approached the end of the season. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
The game saw several key scoring plays in the second half, including a crucial tip-in layup by Brian Waddell that pushed Eastern Kentucky ahead. Turner Buttry's free throws also proved pivotal as they extended the Colonels' lead to 92-87. Despite Bellarmine's efforts to close the gap, including a layup by Waddell and free throws from MJ Williams, they could not overcome the deficit. A late three-pointer by Jack Karasinski brought the Knights within striking distance, but it was not enough to secure a victory.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams demonstrating resilience and skill. The result not only impacts their immediate standings but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | EKU -1.5 | 153.5 o -112 / u -108 | Eastern Kentucky Colonels -130 · Bellarmine Knights +110 |
Leaders
- PointsJack Karasinski31Bellarmine Knights
- AssistsTyler Doyle7Bellarmine Knights
- ReboundsBrian Waddell7Bellarmine Knights
- PointsMJ Williams19Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- AssistsMJ Williams9Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- ReboundsMJ Williams6Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Recent form
Bellarmine Knights
Last 10: 5-5Streak L380.6 scored · 81 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W77-74vs West Georgia WolvesJan 29
- L114-117at North Florida OspreysJan 24
- W77-70at Jacksonville DolphinsJan 23
- L69-89at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsJan 18
Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Last 10: 4-6Streak W180.9 scored · 81.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- W81-80vs West Georgia WolvesFeb 19
- L78-84at North Alabama LionsFeb 15
- L61-75at Lipscomb BisonsFeb 12
- W100-88vs Stetson HattersFeb 7
- W76-74vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesFeb 6
- L81-90at Central Arkansas BearsJan 31
- L82-90vs Austin Peay GovernorsJan 29
- L76-81at Jacksonville DolphinsJan 24
- L85-87at North Florida OspreysJan 23
- W89-69vs Bellarmine KnightsJan 18
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 | Eastern Kentucky Colonels | Bellarmine Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-52 | 33-48 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 69 |
| Three-pointers | 20-36 | 11-22 |
| Three-point % | 56 | 50 |
| Free throws | 19-24 | 15-17 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 19 | 22 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 12 | 18 |
| Assists | 19 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 44 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 76 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half62-60Sam Donald makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half65-60Turner Buttry makes 28-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half65-62Tyler Doyle makes layup
- 2nd Half67-62Yvens Paul makes 3-foot dunk (Turner Buttry assists)
- 2nd Half67-63Sam Donald makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Sam Donald makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Turner Buttry makes 26-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half71-66Brian Waddell makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half72-66Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-66Montavious Myrick makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-66Juan Cranford Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Turner Buttry assists)
- 2nd Half76-69Jack Karasinski makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half78-69Montavious Myrick makes layup (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half78-70Jack Karasinski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-71Jack Karasinski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-71MJ Williams makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half80-71MJ Williams makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half80-72Jack Karasinski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-73Jack Karasinski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-73Jackson Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-73Jackson Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-73MJ Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half85-75Brian Waddell makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half88-75Juan Cranford Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half88-77Brian Waddell makes layup (Sam Donald assists)
- 2nd Half88-78Brian Waddell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half88-79Brian Waddell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-80Brian Waddell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-83Jacob Wassler makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half90-83Montavious Myrick makes 3-foot dunk (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half90-85Sam Donald makes layup (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half90-87Brian Waddell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half91-87Turner Buttry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half92-87Turner Buttry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half92-89Brian Waddell makes layup
- 2nd Half93-89MJ Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half94-89MJ Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half94-92Jack Karasinski makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyler Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half95-92Juan Cranford Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Bellarmine Knights, below favours Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
Venue
- Knights HallLouisville, KY
- Attendance1921
- OfficialsKevin Driver, John Garrett, Chris Duprey
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