Central Arkansas Bears Defeat Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 73-63
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Central Arkansas Bears 73, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 63, 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 73-63 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Central Arkansas Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Central Arkansas Bears secured a 73-63 victory over the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. This win not only highlights the Bears' strong season but also avenges their previous loss to the Eagles earlier in the season. With this result, Central Arkansas improved their record to 22-11, while Florida Gulf Coast fell to 16-18.
The Bears have been in impressive form, boasting a 9-1 record over their last ten games, including a winning streak of three games. They averaged 82.4 points scored while allowing 73.2 points during this stretch. In their most recent game on March 6, they defeated the Bellarmine Knights 86-73, showcasing their offensive capabilities. At home, Central Arkansas has been particularly dominant, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games.
Conversely, Florida Gulf Coast has shown some resilience, winning six of their last ten games, including two consecutive victories leading into this matchup. Their scoring average during this period was 74.7 points, with an average of 73.4 points allowed. They recently defeated the Lipscomb Bisons 77-53, demonstrating their defensive strengths. However, their away record has been less favorable, with only one win in their last five away games.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, the Bears and Eagles have faced each other three times in the last two seasons, with Central Arkansas holding a 1-2 record against Florida Gulf Coast. Their last encounter on February 21, 2026, ended in a 75-71 loss for the Bears, making this victory particularly significant for them.
Injuries did not appear to play a major role in this game, allowing both teams to field their best lineups. The market, as reported by DraftKings, had Central Arkansas favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The odds reflected confidence in the Bears' ability to perform at home, with a moneyline of -205 compared to Florida Gulf Coast's +170.
The game conditions were conducive for a competitive matchup, and viewers were treated to a thrilling contest. Key moments included a series of free throws by Javion Guy-King and Ty Robinson in the second half, which helped the Bears maintain their lead. The scoring plays highlighted the Bears' ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities, particularly in the closing minutes of the game.
Overall, the Central Arkansas Bears demonstrated their strength and resilience, particularly after their earlier defeat to the Eagles. With this win, they continue to build momentum as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CARK -4.5 | 144.5 o -108 / u -112 | Florida Gulf Coast Eagles +170 · Central Arkansas Bears -205 |
Leaders
- PointsCamren Hunter23Central Arkansas Bears
- AssistsCamren Hunter3Central Arkansas Bears
- ReboundsCamren Hunter8Central Arkansas Bears
- PointsMichael Duax15Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
- AssistsRahmir Barno5Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
- ReboundsIsaiah Malone13Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Recent form
Central Arkansas Bears
Last 10: 9-1Streak W382.4 scored · 73.2 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W86-73vs Bellarmine KnightsMar 6
- W84-79vs Queens University RoyalsFeb 28
- W93-88at Austin Peay GovernorsFeb 26
- L71-75at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesFeb 21
- W88-76at Stetson HattersFeb 20
- W79-62vs West Georgia WolvesFeb 14
- W84-76vs Bellarmine KnightsFeb 12
- W72-65at North Alabama LionsFeb 10
- W86-78at Lipscomb BisonsFeb 7
- W81-60vs North Alabama LionsFeb 5
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Last 10: 6-4Streak W274.7 scored · 73.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- W77-53at Lipscomb BisonsMar 6
- W69-58vs North Alabama LionsMar 4
- L63-78at Stetson HattersFeb 28
- L70-76at North Florida OspreysFeb 27
- W75-71vs Central Arkansas BearsFeb 21
- W86-84vs Jacksonville DolphinsFeb 19
- W78-76vs Stetson HattersFeb 14
- W90-81vs North Florida OspreysFeb 12
- L65-81at Bellarmine KnightsFeb 7
- L74-76at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsFeb 6
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 | 24-62 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 5-32 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 16 | 32 |
| Free throws | 10-15 | 13-21 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 31 |
| Assists | 11 | 13 |
| Steals | 9 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 6 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half32-35Isaiah Malone makes 2-foot dunk (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half34-35Isaiah Malone makes 1-foot dunk (Jordan Ellerbee assists)
- 2nd Half36-35Rahmir Barno makes layup
- 2nd Half36-37Malchiah Marable makes layup (Ty Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half36-39Ty Robinson makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-39Michael Duax makes 12-foot jumper (Rahmir Barno assists)
- 2nd Half38-42Harry Beauchamp makes 25-foot three point jumper (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half38-44Camren Hunter makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-47Ty Robinson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Camren Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half41-47Jordan Ellerbee makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half41-49Ty Robinson makes layup
- 2nd Half43-49Rahmir Barno makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-49Isaiah Malone makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half45-52Cole McCormick makes 25-foot three point jumper (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half45-54Cole McCormick makes layup (Malchiah Marable assists)
- 2nd Half47-54Jordan Ellerbee makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half48-54Rahmir Barno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-54Rahmir Barno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-54J.R. Konieczny makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-54J.R. Konieczny makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-54Rahmir Barno makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-56Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half55-56Michael Duax makes layup (Isaiah Malone assists)
- 2nd Half55-58Camren Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half55-61Javion Guy-King makes 24-foot three point jumper (Camren Hunter assists)
- 2nd Half57-61Isaiah Malone makes 2-foot dunk (J.R. Konieczny assists)
- 2nd Half57-64Cole McCormick makes 26-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half58-64Isaiah Malone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-64Isaiah Malone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-65Javion Guy-King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-66Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-67Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-67Rahmir Barno makes layup
- 2nd Half61-68Javion Guy-King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-69Javion Guy-King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-70Ty Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-71Ty Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-71J.R. Konieczny makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-72Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-73Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Arkansas Bears, below favours Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.
Venue
- VyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaJacksonville, FL
- Attendance2052
- OfficialsMarcus Gossard, Eric Lowe, Andrew Casas
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