Northern Kentucky Edges Bellarmine in Close Contest
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Knights Hall
Northern Kentucky Norse 80, Bellarmine Knights 76, 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 Northern Kentucky Norse vs Bellarmine Knights?
Northern Kentucky Norse beat Bellarmine Knights 80-76 at Knights Hall on December 13, 2025.
Who was favored in Northern Kentucky Norse vs Bellarmine Knights?
Northern Kentucky Norse were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Northern Kentucky Norse defeated the Bellarmine Knights 80-76 at Knights Hall on December 13, 2025. This victory marks Northern Kentucky's continued strong performance this season, improving their record to 10-3, while Bellarmine falls to 4-7.
Northern Kentucky entered the game with a solid away record of 9-3, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. They have averaged 82.3 points per game while allowing 74.0, indicating a high-scoring offense. Their recent form has been impressive, with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, including a one-game winning streak. In their last outing, they convincingly defeated the Brescia Bearcats 92-53, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
On the other hand, Bellarmine struggled with a record of 4-5-1 in their last ten games, including a recent loss to the Murray State Racers, where they fell 68-81. The Knights have averaged 70.0 points scored and 70.5 points allowed per game, reflecting a more balanced but less explosive offense compared to their opponents. At home, they have performed slightly better, with a 3-1 record, but their overall inconsistency has been a concern.
The two teams had met previously in the current season, with Northern Kentucky emerging victorious in their first encounter on November 30, 2024, winning 86-70. This history added a layer of intrigue to the rematch, as Bellarmine sought redemption on their home court.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability for either team, which could have influenced the game's outcome. However, both teams were expected to field their regular lineups, making the contest a true test of skill and strategy.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Northern Kentucky favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The moneyline odds reflected Northern Kentucky at -218 and Bellarmine at +180, indicating a strong belief in the Norse's ability to secure the win.
Conditions at Knights Hall were typical for a December evening, with fans filling the stands to support their home team. The atmosphere was charged, providing a backdrop for what turned out to be a thrilling game.
As the game progressed, Northern Kentucky maintained a slight edge, with key contributions from players like Kenyon Goodin and Donovan Oday, who made critical free throws in the closing minutes to secure the win. Goodin's three-point jumper, assisted by Donovan Hunter, was particularly significant, pushing the lead to 80-76 in the final moments.
In summary, Northern Kentucky's victory over Bellarmine highlighted their offensive strength and ability to perform under pressure, while the Knights will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they continue through the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NKU -4.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Northern Kentucky Norse -218 · Bellarmine Knights +180 |
Leaders
- PointsJack Karasinski21Bellarmine Knights
- AssistsSam Donald4Bellarmine Knights
- ReboundsJack Karasinski8Bellarmine Knights
- PointsLJ Wells17Northern Kentucky Norse
- AssistsDan Gherezgher3Northern Kentucky Norse
- ReboundsLJ Wells8Northern Kentucky Norse
Recent form
Bellarmine Knights
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak L170 scored · 70.5 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L68-81at Murray State RacersDec 6
- W99-60vs Midway EaglesDec 4
- D0-0at Northern Illinois HuskiesNov 29
- W74-69vs Houston Christian HuskiesNov 26
- W70-58at The Citadel BulldogsNov 25
- L79-86at Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 20
- L86-94vs Wofford TerriersNov 15
- W94-55vs Hanover PanthersNov 13
- L71-98at Kansas State WildcatsNov 9
- L59-104at Georgia BulldogsNov 4
Northern Kentucky Norse
Last 10: 7-3Streak W182.3 scored · 74 allowed per game1-3 away
- W92-53vs Brescia BearcatsDec 10
- L77-79at Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsDec 6
- W95-80vs Cleveland State VikingsDec 4
- W74-65vs Boston University TerriersNov 29
- W93-83vs Wofford TerriersNov 26
- W82-71vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 25
- W90-66at Central Michigan ChippewasNov 21
- W101-73vs Cumberlands PatriotsNov 16
- L63-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersNov 13
- L56-95at Tennessee VolunteersNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
| 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 | Northern Kentucky Norse | Bellarmine Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-63 | 27-54 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 8-25 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 39 |
| Free throws | 8-17 | 13-13 |
| Free throw % | 47 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 19 |
| Steals | 14 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 75 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half44-38LJ Wells made Dunk. Assisted by Donovan Rakotonanahary.
- 2nd Half44-40Brian Waddell made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half46-40Kael Robinson made Layup. Assisted by Tae Dozier.
- 2nd Half48-40Ethan Elliott made Layup. Assisted by Kael Robinson.
- 2nd Half51-40Dan Gherezgher made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ethan Elliott.
- 2nd Half51-42Michael Wilson Jr. made Jumper. Assisted by Sam Donald.
- 2nd Half53-42Kael Robinson made Layup. Assisted by LJ Wells.
- 2nd Half56-42Kael Robinson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Donovan Oday.
- 2nd Half58-42LJ Wells made Layup.
- 2nd Half58-45Sam Donald made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Darrius Bolden.
- 2nd Half59-45Ethan Elliott made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-45Donovan Rakotonanahary made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-45LJ Wells made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ethan Elliott.
- 2nd Half63-47Brian Waddell made Layup. Assisted by Darrius Bolden.
- 2nd Half63-49Brian Waddell made Layup. Assisted by Darrius Bolden.
- 2nd Half65-49Tae Dozier made Jumper.
- 2nd Half65-52Donovan Hunter made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Darrius Bolden.
- 2nd Half65-55Kenyon Goodin made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Brian Waddell.
- 2nd Half67-55Dan Gherezgher made Jumper.
- 2nd Half69-55Tae Dozier made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half69-57Jack Karasinski made Layup. Assisted by Donovan Hunter.
- 2nd Half69-58Darrius Bolden made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-59Darrius Bolden made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-62Michael Wilson Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kenyon Goodin.
- 2nd Half69-63Jack Karasinski made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-64Jack Karasinski made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-64LJ Wells made Layup.
- 2nd Half72-64LJ Wells made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half74-64LJ Wells made Layup.
- 2nd Half76-64Dan Gherezgher made Dunk.
- 2nd Half76-67Jack Karasinski made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kenyon Goodin.
- 2nd Half76-69Jack Karasinski made Layup. Assisted by Donovan Hunter.
- 2nd Half76-70Kenyon Goodin made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-71Kenyon Goodin made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-71Donovan Oday made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-71Donovan Oday made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-73Jack Karasinski made Jumper.
- 2nd Half79-73Donovan Oday made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-73Dan Gherezgher made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-76Kenyon Goodin made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Donovan Hunter.
Win probability
Above the line favours Bellarmine Knights, below favours Northern Kentucky Norse.
Venue
- Knights HallLouisville, KY
- Attendance1227
- OfficialsAaron Denton, Bryan Washer, Kyle Stewart
Elsewhere
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond