Queens University Edges Eastern Kentucky in Close Contest
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Curry Arena
Queens University Royals 91, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 89, 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 Queens University Royals?
Queens University Royals beat Eastern Kentucky Colonels 91-89 at Curry Arena on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs Queens University Royals?
Queens University Royals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Queens University Royals narrowly defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels with a final score of 91-89 at Curry Arena. This game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, showcasing their recent struggles yet providing an exciting finish for the fans in attendance.
The Royals entered this game with a home record of 6-8, having faced challenges throughout the season. Their recent form showed a record of 4-6 over the last ten games, with a current losing streak of three games. In those ten games, they averaged 83.8 points scored per game while allowing an average of 90.6 points. Their last five games reflected a slight improvement, as they recorded a 2-3 record with an average of 85.4 points scored and 95.4 points allowed. At home, they had been more successful, boasting a 4-0 record, while they struggled on the road, going winless in six away games.
On the other hand, the Colonels came into the game with a 4-10 overall record, having won only three of their last ten contests, which included a single loss in their most recent outing. Their average scoring was 76.5 points per game, while they allowed 79.4 points. In their last five games, they managed a record of 3-2, scoring an average of 75.6 points and allowing 70.4 points. The Colonels had a home record of 1-3 and an away record of 2-4, indicating they faced difficulties both at home and on the road.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, where the Royals lost to the Colonels 80-86 in an away game. This matchup was significant for the Royals as they sought to avenge that earlier defeat on their home court.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams were looking to field their best lineups to secure a much-needed win.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Royals favored with a spread of -4.5 and a moneyline of -192. The total for the game was set at 164.5, with the over at -108 and the under at -112. This indicated that the market expected a competitive game, reflecting the close records of both teams.
The conditions at Curry Arena were conducive to an exciting basketball game, and the atmosphere was charged as both teams fought for every point. The Royals managed to pull ahead in the second half, with key plays from their players. Jordan Watford's layup, assisted by Yoav Berman, brought the score to 87-81, while Austin Ball's three-point jumper kept the Colonels in contention at 86-89.
The final moments of the game were tense, with the Royals managing to secure their lead through free throws from Maban Jabriel, who made both attempts to push the score to 91-86. However, the Colonels responded with a three-pointer from Juan Cranford Jr., narrowing the gap to 91-89. Ultimately, the Royals held on for the win, showcasing resilience in a game that could have gone either way.
This matchup not only provided a glimpse into the current state of both teams but also set the stage for their future encounters as they continue to navigate the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | QUC -4.5 | 164.5 o -108 / u -112 | Eastern Kentucky Colonels +160 · Queens University Royals -192 |
Leaders
- PointsJordan Watford17Queens University Royals
- AssistsYoav Berman3Queens University Royals
- ReboundsAvantae Parker8Queens University Royals
- PointsMJ Williams18Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- AssistsJuan Cranford Jr.5Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- ReboundsMontavious Myrick7Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Recent form
Queens University Royals
Last 10: 4-6Streak L383.8 scored · 90.6 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L65-106at Auburn TigersDec 30
- L80-108at Arkansas RazorbacksDec 17
- L73-111at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsDec 14
- W102-78vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 13
- W107-74vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsDec 4
- L69-94at Virginia CavaliersNov 28
- L79-90at Furman PaladinsNov 23
- W101-94vs UNC Greensboro SpartansNov 21
- W81-64vs Sacred Heart PioneersNov 15
- L81-87at Duquesne DukesNov 12
Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Last 10: 3-7Streak L176.5 scored · 79.4 allowed per game2-4 away
- L57-88at Wichita State ShockersDec 21
- W62-59at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 18
- L69-79vs Miami (OH) RedHawksDec 13
- W68-59at Eastern Illinois PanthersDec 11
- W122-67vs IU East IU EASTDec 6
- L78-89at Illinois State RedbirdsDec 4
- L77-83vs Wofford TerriersNov 29
- L71-82at Northern Kentucky NorseNov 25
- L83-95vs Mercer BearsNov 22
- L78-93at Kent State Golden FlashesNov 19
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 | Queens University Royals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-61 | 31-61 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 14-33 | 5-24 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 21 |
| Free throws | 15-21 | 24-31 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 16 |
| Steals | 3 | 1 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 2 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 50 |
| Fouls | 26 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 36 | 53 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half57-56Yvens Paul makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-56Yvens Paul makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-57Isaiah Henry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-58Isaiah Henry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-58Jackson Holt makes 22-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Montavious Myrick makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-60Yoav Berman makes layup
- 2nd Half64-60MJ Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60MJ Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Chris Ashby makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordan Watford assists)
- 2nd Half67-63Montavious Myrick makes layup
- 2nd Half67-65Jordan Watford makes layup
- 2nd Half67-67Jordan Watford makes layup
- 2nd Half67-68Jordan Watford makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-71Carson Schwieger makes 24-foot three point jumper (Yoav Berman assists)
- 2nd Half70-71Jackson Holt makes 24-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
- 2nd Half73-71Jackson Holt makes 24-foot three point jumper (Montavious Myrick assists)
- 2nd Half73-73Yoav Berman makes layup (Jordan Watford assists)
- 2nd Half73-74Carson Schwieger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-74Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-74Montavious Myrick makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77Maban Jabriel makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nasir Mann assists)
- 2nd Half76-77Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-78Nasir Mann makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-79Nasir Mann makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-79Juan Cranford Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-79Juan Cranford Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-81Yoav Berman makes layup
- 2nd Half78-83Jordan Watford makes layup (Chris Ashby assists)
- 2nd Half78-84Jordan Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-85Jordan Watford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-85Juan Cranford Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half81-87Jordan Watford makes layup (Yoav Berman assists)
- 2nd Half83-87Jackson Holt makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half83-88Yoav Berman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-89Yoav Berman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-89Austin Ball makes 22-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half86-90Maban Jabriel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-91Maban Jabriel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-91Juan Cranford Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Queens University Royals, below favours Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
Venue
- Curry ArenaCharlotte, NC
- Attendance480
- OfficialsBobby Lineberger, Nick Heater, Matt Jarman
Elsewhere
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- 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