Ospreys Edge Colonels in Thrilling Finish
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · UNF Arena
North Florida Ospreys 87, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 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 Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs North Florida Ospreys?
North Florida Ospreys beat Eastern Kentucky Colonels 87-85 at UNF Arena on January 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs North Florida Ospreys?
Eastern Kentucky Colonels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a nail-biting contest at UNF Arena, the North Florida Ospreys triumphed over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels with a final score of 87-85. This victory marks a significant moment for the Ospreys, who have struggled throughout the season with a home record of 4-16 and a recent form of just 1-9 in their last ten games. The win also snaps a one-game losing streak for North Florida, showcasing their resilience in a tightly contested matchup.
The Ospreys have averaged 78.6 points scored and 93.9 points allowed in their last ten games, highlighting their offensive capabilities but also their defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Colonels, with an away record of 7-13, have been more balanced, averaging 74.9 points scored and 76.2 points allowed over their last ten games. Eastern Kentucky entered the game with a record of 5-5 in their last ten outings, riding a one-game winning streak after a victory against the Bellarmine Knights.
Historically, the Ospreys have struggled against the Colonels, holding a 0-2 record in their previous meetings this season. Their last encounter on February 27, 2025, ended in a narrow defeat for North Florida, losing 81-86 at home. This backdrop added extra significance to the Ospreys' victory, as they were eager to turn the tide against a familiar opponent.
In terms of injuries, the game featured both teams at relatively full strength, which allowed for a competitive atmosphere. The market had priced Eastern Kentucky as 8.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 166.5 points. This indicated expectations of a high-scoring affair, which ultimately played out as both teams combined for 172 points.
The conditions for the game were favorable, with a lively crowd at UNF Arena contributing to the electric atmosphere. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with several key scoring plays defining the game's closing moments. Notably, Kamrin Oriol played a pivotal role for the Ospreys, making crucial layups that helped secure the win. His performance, along with contributions from teammates, proved vital in overcoming the Colonels in the final stretch.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted with both teams exchanging leads. The Ospreys managed to hold on to their lead in the final minutes, despite the Colonels' attempts to rally back. The final moments saw Eastern Kentucky's MJ Williams tying the game at 85 before Oriol's decisive jumper sealed the win for North Florida.
This victory not only boosts the Ospreys' confidence but also serves as a reminder of their potential to compete in the league, especially on their home court. The game highlighted the importance of execution in high-pressure situations, providing a thrilling spectacle for basketball fans.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | EKU -8.5 | 166.5 o -112 / u -108 | Eastern Kentucky Colonels -395 · North Florida Ospreys +310 |
Leaders
- PointsKamrin Oriol32North Florida Ospreys
- AssistsMason Lee4North Florida Ospreys
- ReboundsDalton Gayman8North Florida Ospreys
- PointsMontavious Myrick19Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- AssistsTurner Buttry4Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- ReboundsJalen Cooper7Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Recent form
North Florida Ospreys
Last 10: 1-9Streak L178.6 scored · 93.9 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L69-98at Central Arkansas BearsJan 17
- W105-91at North Alabama LionsJan 16
- L82-89vs Queens University RoyalsJan 10
- L73-85vs West Georgia WolvesJan 9
- L74-82at Lipscomb BisonsJan 3
- L83-102at Austin Peay GovernorsJan 2
- L82-90vs Columbia LionsDec 28
- L67-105at Miami HurricanesDec 21
- L90-113at Charleston Southern BuccaneersDec 18
- L61-84at Dayton FlyersDec 14
Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Last 10: 5-5Streak W174.9 scored · 76.2 allowed per game2-4 away
- W89-69vs Bellarmine KnightsJan 18
- 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
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 | North Florida Ospreys |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-67 | 32-63 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 12-28 | 10-27 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 37 |
| Free throws | 7-15 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 47 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 26 |
| Assists | 14 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 38 |
| Fouls | 17 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 16 | 67 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half49-51Kamrin Oriol makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-51Montavious Myrick makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-54Kamrin Oriol makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-54Montavious Myrick makes layup
- 2nd Half53-56BJ Plummer makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-59Kent Jackson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dalton Gayman assists)
- 2nd Half53-61Kamrin Oriol makes layup (Dalton Gayman assists)
- 2nd Half55-61Jalen Cooper makes layup (Jayden Harris assists)
- 2nd Half55-64Kent Jackson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trey Cady assists)
- 2nd Half56-64Jalen Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-64Juan Cranford Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-64MJ Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half62-64MJ Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-64MJ Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66BJ Plummer makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-67BJ Plummer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-69Kamrin Oriol makes layup
- 2nd Half63-70Kamrin Oriol makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-71Kent Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72Kent Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-72Montavious Myrick makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72MJ Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half67-72Jalen Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Montavious Myrick makes layup
- 2nd Half70-72Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-72MJ Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half72-75Kent Jackson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dalton Gayman assists)
- 2nd Half72-77BJ Plummer makes layup
- 2nd Half74-77Montavious Myrick makes 3-foot dunk (Turner Buttry assists)
- 2nd Half76-77Montavious Myrick makes layup (Juan Cranford Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half76-78Dalton Gayman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-80Mason Lee makes layup (Kamrin Oriol assists)
- 2nd Half76-82Kamrin Oriol makes layup
- 2nd Half78-82Montavious Myrick makes layup
- 2nd Half81-82Juan Cranford Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half81-84Kamrin Oriol makes layup
- 2nd Half81-85Kamrin Oriol makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half83-85MJ Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half85-85MJ Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half85-87Kamrin Oriol makes 14-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours North Florida Ospreys, below favours Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
Venue
- UNF ArenaJacksonville, FL
- Attendance1317
- OfficialsJon Broska, Landon Brandes, Nick Nadeau
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