Central Arkansas Edges Florida Gulf Coast in Close Contest
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Farris Center
Central Arkansas Bears 85, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 83, 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 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Central Arkansas Bears beat Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 85-83 at Farris Center on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
The Central Arkansas Bears triumphed over the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles with a final score of 85-83 in a tightly contested NCAAB matchup at the Farris Center. This game was particularly notable as both teams entered with identical records of 6-8, making the outcome significant for both sides in their respective campaigns.
In terms of recent form, Central Arkansas had a mixed performance over their last ten games, recording a 4-6 record. They were on a one-game losing streak heading into this match, having lost to the SMU Mustangs 82-99 in their previous outing. The Bears averaged 77.2 points scored and allowed 71.4 points per game during this stretch. At home, they had a record of 4-1, showcasing a stronger performance on their court compared to their 0-5 record in away games. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 81.8 points while allowing 70.2 points.
On the other hand, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles also posted a 5-5 record in their last ten games, but they were coming off a victory against the Fort Lauderdale Eagles, winning decisively 84-43. The Eagles averaged 82.1 points scored and allowed 77.8 points during their recent stretch. Their away record was weaker at 1-3, contrasting with a home record of 4-2. In their last five games, they averaged 76.4 points scored while allowing 78.0 points.
The two teams had met once before in the current season, with Florida Gulf Coast winning that encounter 77-71 on January 11, 2025. This previous meeting added an extra layer of competitiveness to the matchup, as Central Arkansas sought to even the score.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either roster, indicating that both teams were likely at full strength for this critical game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Florida Gulf Coast favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds reflected a close contest, with Central Arkansas listed at +120 moneyline and Florida Gulf Coast at -142.
Conditions in the Farris Center were conducive for a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their offensive capabilities. As the game progressed, the scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the contest. Notable moments included a 3-foot dunk by Isaiah Malone that tied the game at 77, followed by a 25-foot three-point jumper from Ty Robinson that put Central Arkansas ahead 80-77. The Bears maintained their lead as they executed key plays down the stretch, including a layup from Cole McCormick that extended their advantage to 84-79.
Despite a late surge from Florida Gulf Coast, including a dunk from Isaiah Malone that brought them within two points at 83-85, Central Arkansas held on for the victory. The Bears' ability to capitalize on crucial scoring opportunities in the final moments proved decisive in sealing their win.
Overall, this matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also emphasized the importance of home-court advantage, as Central Arkansas managed to secure a much-needed win in front of their fans.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FGCU -2.5 | 156.5 o -105 / u -115 | Florida Gulf Coast Eagles -142 · Central Arkansas Bears +120 |
Leaders
- PointsTy Robinson27Central Arkansas Bears
- AssistsCamren Hunter4Central Arkansas Bears
- ReboundsTy Robinson7Central Arkansas Bears
- PointsJ.R. Konieczny25Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
- AssistsRahmir Barno11Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
- ReboundsRory Stewart5Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Recent form
Central Arkansas Bears
Last 10: 4-6Streak L177.2 scored · 71.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- L56-74at North Texas Mean GreenNov 21
- L77-84vs Samford BulldogsNov 16
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Last 10: 5-5Streak W182.1 scored · 77.8 allowed per game1-3 away
- W84-43vs Fort Lauderdale EaglesDec 28
- L80-102at UCF KnightsDec 20
- L59-75at New Mexico LobosDec 14
- L76-81vs Florida Atlantic OwlsDec 7
- L83-89at Florida International PanthersDec 4
- L100-102vs Kennesaw State OwlsNov 27
- W78-63vs Rice OwlsNov 26
- W93-88vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 25
- W77-62at Samford BulldogsNov 20
- W91-73vs Chattanooga MocsNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | Florida Gulf Coast Eagles | Central Arkansas Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-54 | 30-58 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 14-31 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 39 |
| Free throws | 11-12 | 16-20 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 21 |
| Assists | 18 | 19 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 40 |
| Fouls | 17 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 69 | 21 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-48Rory Stewart makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half51-48Rory Stewart makes 28-foot three point jumper (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half51-50Javion Guy-King makes 2-foot jumper (Camren Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half52-50J.R. Konieczny makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-50J.R. Konieczny makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-52Malchiah Marable makes layup (Ty Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half56-52Darren Williams makes 28-foot three point jumper (J.R. Konieczny assists)
- 2nd Half58-52Isaiah Malone makes layup (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half59-52Isaiah Malone makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-53Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-54Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-56Camren Hunter makes layup (Malchiah Marable assists)
- 2nd Half62-56Rory Stewart makes 26-foot three point jumper (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half64-56Rahmir Barno makes layup
- 2nd Half64-58Cole McCormick makes 0-foot dunk (Ty Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half64-61Ty Robinson makes 28-foot three point jumper (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half66-61J.R. Konieczny makes layup
- 2nd Half66-63Cole McCormick makes layup (Camren Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half66-65Javion Guy-King makes layup
- 2nd Half66-66Ty Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-67Ty Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-67Rahmir Barno makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half68-69Javion Guy-King makes layup
- 2nd Half71-69J.R. Konieczny makes 27-foot three point jumper (Darren Williams assists)
- 2nd Half71-71Javion Guy-King makes layup
- 2nd Half71-72Javion Guy-King makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-72J.R. Konieczny makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-72J.R. Konieczny makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half74-74Isaiah Malone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-74Isaiah Malone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77Ty Robinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half77-77Isaiah Malone makes 3-foot dunk (J.R. Konieczny assists)
- 2nd Half77-80Ty Robinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cole McCormick assists)
- 2nd Half77-82Ty Robinson makes layup (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half77-84Cole McCormick makes layup (Camren Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half79-84J.R. Konieczny makes 4-foot dunk (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half79-85Luke Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-85Rahmir Barno makes layup
- 2nd Half83-85Isaiah Malone makes 2-foot dunk (J.R. Konieczny assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Arkansas Bears, below favours Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.
Venue
- Farris CenterConway, AR
- Attendance796
- OfficialsLuke Chittum, Tucson Grigg, Michael Swoboda
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