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NCAAB · Final

Eastern Kentucky Edges Florida Gulf Coast in Close Contest

Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Baptist Health Arena

Eastern Kentucky Colonels 76, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 74, 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 Eastern Kentucky Colonels?

Eastern Kentucky Colonels beat Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 76-74 at Baptist Health Arena on February 5, 2026.

Who was favored in Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels?

Eastern Kentucky Colonels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels narrowly defeated the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 76-74 at Baptist Health Arena. This game was significant as it continued a trend of close encounters between the two teams, with Eastern Kentucky maintaining a perfect record against Florida Gulf Coast in their last three meetings. The Colonels improved their season record to 9-16, while the Eagles fell to 10-15.

Eastern Kentucky entered the game struggling, having lost their last four games and holding a record of 3-7 in their last ten. Their scoring average over this stretch was 81.7 points per game, but they also allowed an average of 82.5 points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, Florida Gulf Coast had a slightly better record of 4-6 in their last ten games and was on a two-game winning streak coming into this matchup. They averaged 74.0 points scored while allowing 74.5 points during that same period.

At home, Eastern Kentucky had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, while their away record was significantly weaker at 0-6. Florida Gulf Coast's performance was more balanced, with a home record of 2-3 and an away record of 2-3. This game was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their standings and momentum as the season progressed.

The previous meetings between the two teams had favored Eastern Kentucky, with the Colonels winning both encounters in the 2025 season. They first defeated Florida Gulf Coast 81-77 at home and then followed up with a dominant 92-74 victory in the away game. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to their latest clash.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but such factors often play a crucial role in the outcome of games at this level. The absence of key players can significantly alter team dynamics and performance.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Eastern Kentucky as the slight favorite with a spread of -1.5 and a money line of -118. Florida Gulf Coast's money line was set at -102, indicating a competitive matchup. The total points over/under was set at 154.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring game.

Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but factors such as venue atmosphere and crowd support can have an impact on team performance, especially in close games like this.

As the game unfolded, it featured several key moments that defined the outcome. In the second half, Montavious Myrick made a crucial layup, assisted by MJ Williams, to tie the game at 70. Jordan Ellerbee then responded with a jumper, bringing the score to 70-70. Free throws from both teams kept the score close, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Ultimately, a late layup from MJ Williams secured the victory for Eastern Kentucky, capping off a thrilling finish.

Fans and analysts watching the game would have noted the intense back-and-forth scoring, particularly in the final minutes, as both teams fought hard for every point. The close scoreline reflects the competitive nature of both squads and sets the stage for their upcoming games as they look to build on this performance.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsEKU -1.5 154.5 o -105 / u -115 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles -102 · Eastern Kentucky Colonels -118

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • PointsJuan Cranford Jr.17Eastern Kentucky Colonels
  • AssistsMJ Williams8Eastern Kentucky Colonels
  • ReboundsMontavious Myrick7Eastern Kentucky Colonels
  • PointsIsaiah Malone18Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
  • AssistsRahmir Barno10Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
  • ReboundsIsaiah Malone11Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

Recent form

Eastern Kentucky Colonels

Last 10: 3-7Streak L481.7 scored · 82.5 allowed per game3-1 at home

  • 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
  • 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

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

Last 10: 4-6Streak W274 scored · 74.5 allowed per game2-3 away

  • W68-49at Jacksonville DolphinsJan 31
  • W72-64vs North Alabama LionsJan 30
  • L71-86at Lipscomb BisonsJan 23
  • L62-83at Austin Peay GovernorsJan 22
  • W90-72vs West Georgia WolvesJan 17
  • L74-85vs Queens University RoyalsJan 16
  • L77-84vs Lipscomb BisonsJan 10
  • L71-82vs Austin Peay GovernorsJan 9
  • W72-55at North Alabama LionsJan 3
  • L83-85at Central Arkansas BearsJan 1

Standings

TeamOverallGames behindIn conference
Austin Peay22-9+115-3
Central Arkansas22-12+115-3
Queens University21-14213-5
Lipscomb19-13312-6
Florida Gulf Coast16-1878-10
West Georgia15-1768-10
Bellarmine13-1987-11
Jacksonville12-2087-11
Stetson12-2187-11
Eastern Kentucky11-2177-11
North Florida7-25105-13
North Alabama9-21104-14
Utah Valley25-9-14-4
California Baptist25-9113-5
Utah Tech19-15211-7
UT Arlington18-1459-9
Southern Utah10-2276-12
Tarleton State14-1895-13
Abilene Christian14-1995-13

Box score

StatFlorida Gulf Coast EaglesEastern Kentucky Colonels
Field goals27-5923-57
Field goal %4640
Three-pointers10-2910-33
Three-point %3430
Free throws10-1320-25
Free throw %7780
Rebounds3436
Offensive rebounds1012
Defensive rebounds2424
Assists1916
Steals712
Blocks33
Turnovers1513
Team turnovers12
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2216
Fast-break points312
Points in the paint2824
Fouls1615
Largest lead214
Lead changes33
Time in front7122

How the scoring went

  1. 2nd Half46-35Austin Ball makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jackson Holt assists)
  2. 2nd Half49-35Jordan Ellerbee makes 25-foot three point jumper
  3. 2nd Half51-35Tristen Guillouette makes 2-foot dunk (Rahmir Barno assists)
  4. 2nd Half51-36Tyler Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
  5. 2nd Half51-37Tyler Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
  6. 2nd Half53-37Isaiah Malone makes layup (Rahmir Barno assists)
  7. 2nd Half53-40Austin Ball makes 24-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
  8. 2nd Half55-40Isaiah Malone makes layup (Rahmir Barno assists)
  9. 2nd Half56-40Isaiah Malone makes free throw 1 of 1
  10. 2nd Half58-40Isaiah Malone makes layup
  11. 2nd Half61-40J.R. Konieczny makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rahmir Barno assists)
  12. 2nd Half61-43Juan Cranford Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper
  13. 2nd Half62-43Jordan Ellerbee makes free throw 2 of 2
  14. 2nd Half62-44Turner Buttry makes free throw 1 of 2
  15. 2nd Half62-45Turner Buttry makes free throw 2 of 2
  16. 2nd Half62-46Juan Cranford Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
  17. 2nd Half62-47Juan Cranford Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
  18. 2nd Half62-50Jayden Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper (Turner Buttry assists)
  19. 2nd Half62-52Yvens Paul makes layup (Turner Buttry assists)
  20. 2nd Half62-53Yvens Paul makes free throw 2 of 2
  21. 2nd Half64-53Isaiah Malone makes 9-foot jumper (Michael Duax assists)
  22. 2nd Half64-56Juan Cranford Jr. makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
  23. 2nd Half64-57Juan Cranford Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
  24. 2nd Half64-59Juan Cranford Jr. makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
  25. 2nd Half64-60Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 2nd Half64-61Montavious Myrick makes free throw 2 of 2
  27. 2nd Half64-64Juan Cranford Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (MJ Williams assists)
  28. 2nd Half64-66Austin Ball makes driving layup (MJ Williams assists)
  29. 2nd Half64-68Montavious Myrick makes layup (MJ Williams assists)
  30. 2nd Half65-68Isaiah Malone makes free throw 1 of 2
  31. 2nd Half67-68Isaiah Malone makes 4-foot jumper
  32. 2nd Half68-68Rahmir Barno makes free throw 1 of 2
  33. 2nd Half68-70Montavious Myrick makes layup (MJ Williams assists)
  34. 2nd Half70-70Jordan Ellerbee makes 19-foot jumper (Rahmir Barno assists)
  35. 2nd Half70-71Montavious Myrick makes free throw 1 of 2
  36. 2nd Half70-74Turner Buttry makes 26-foot three point jumper (Montavious Myrick assists)
  37. 2nd Half71-74Jordan Ellerbee makes free throw 1 of 2
  38. 2nd Half72-74Jordan Ellerbee makes free throw 2 of 2
  39. 2nd Half74-74J.R. Konieczny makes 2-foot dunk (Jordan Ellerbee assists)
  40. 2nd Half74-76MJ Williams makes layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Eastern Kentucky Colonels, below favours Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.

Venue

  • Baptist Health ArenaRichmond, KY
  • Attendance1608
  • OfficialsKevin Driver, John Garrett, Jason Deering

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.