Queens University Royals Triumph Over Central Arkansas Bears in OT
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Queens University Royals 98, Central Arkansas Bears 93, 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 Queens University Royals vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Queens University Royals beat Central Arkansas Bears 98-93 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Queens University Royals vs Central Arkansas Bears?
Central Arkansas Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime finish, the Queens University Royals edged out the Central Arkansas Bears with a final score of 98-93 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. This matchup was notable not only for its intensity but also for the performance of both teams, who entered the game with impressive records and recent form.
The Central Arkansas Bears concluded the season with a record of 22-12, while the Royals finished at 21-13. The Bears had been on a strong run, boasting a 9-1 record in their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak. Their average scoring during this stretch was 81.6 points per game, while they allowed 73.5 points. In their previous game on March 7, they defeated the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 73-63, showcasing their defensive capabilities.
Conversely, the Queens University Royals were also in good form, with a 7-3 record over their last ten games and a one-game winning streak. They averaged 85.5 points scored and allowed 79.8 points during this period. Their most recent victory came on March 7 against the West Georgia Wolves, where they won 71-63. The Royals had shown resilience throughout the season, and their ability to score at a high rate made them a formidable opponent.
When considering home and away performance, the Bears had a strong home record of 5-0 in their last five games, while the Royals had a more mixed away record of 2-2. This home advantage was expected to play a role in the matchup, but the Royals proved capable of overcoming the challenge.
The two teams had met four times in recent seasons, splitting the series at 2-2. Their latest encounter prior to this game was on February 28, 2026, where the Bears emerged victorious with an 84-79 win. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams sought to assert dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the game dynamics. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bears favored by a spread of -1.5, with a total set at 157.5 points. The moneyline odds reflected the Bears at -135.0 and the Royals at 114.0, indicating that the Bears were considered slight favorites heading into the game.
The conditions on the day of the game were not detailed in the block, but the atmosphere in the arena was likely electric given the stakes. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess throughout the game.
As the game progressed, it became evident that both teams were well-matched. The Royals managed to pull ahead during critical moments, particularly in overtime, where they executed their free-throw shooting effectively. Key plays included Cole McCormick and Chris Ashby making crucial free throws that extended the Royals' lead, ultimately securing their victory.
The final score of 98-93 underscored the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams demonstrating their capabilities and resilience. The Royals' ability to perform under pressure in overtime was a testament to their skill and determination, making this game a memorable encounter in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CARK -1.5 | 157.5 o -110 / u -110 | Queens University Royals +114 · Central Arkansas Bears -135 |
Leaders
- PointsCamren Hunter49Central Arkansas Bears
- AssistsJavion Guy-King5Central Arkansas Bears
- ReboundsJavion Guy-King7Central Arkansas Bears
- PointsChris Ashby34Queens University Royals
- AssistsJordan Watford6Queens University Royals
- ReboundsAvantae Parker10Queens University Royals
Recent form
Central Arkansas Bears
Last 10: 9-1Streak W481.6 scored · 73.5 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W73-63vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesMar 7
- 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
Queens University Royals
Last 10: 7-3Streak W185.5 scored · 79.8 allowed per game2-2 away
- W71-63vs West Georgia WolvesMar 7
- L79-84at Central Arkansas BearsFeb 28
- W96-79at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsFeb 26
- W91-84vs West Georgia WolvesFeb 21
- W85-78at North Alabama LionsFeb 19
- W87-81vs Lipscomb BisonsFeb 14
- L87-95vs Austin Peay GovernorsFeb 12
- W91-72vs North Florida OspreysFeb 7
- W93-84vs Jacksonville DolphinsFeb 6
- L75-78at Bellarmine KnightsJan 31
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 | Queens University Royals | Central Arkansas Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-65 | 32-75 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 16-38 | 15-36 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 42 |
| Free throws | 22-27 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 20 |
| Assists | 19 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 13 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 32 |
| Fouls | 18 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 75 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half71-62Cole McCormick makes 25-foot three point jumper (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half73-62Jordan Watford makes layup
- 2nd Half73-65Camren Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half73-66Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Camren Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Javion Guy-King assists)
- 2nd Half74-69Nasir Mann makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69Jordan Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-69Jordan Watford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Camren Hunter makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half77-72Maban Jabriel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-72Maban Jabriel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Yoav Berman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-73Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half79-74Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half79-75Camren Hunter makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half79-78Camren Hunter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luke Moore assists)
- 2nd Half80-78Yoav Berman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-78Yoav Berman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-79Camren Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-80Camren Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-80Jordan Watford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-82Camren Hunter makes layup
- OT83-82Chris Ashby makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT84-82Chris Ashby makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-82Chris Ashby makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jordan Watford assists)
- OT89-82Avantae Parker makes 2-foot dunk (Nasir Mann assists)
- OT89-84Ty Robinson makes layup (Javion Guy-King assists)
- OT89-85Ty Robinson makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT90-85Nasir Mann makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT91-85Nasir Mann makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT91-88Camren Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Malchiah Marable assists)
- OT93-88Jordan Watford makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT93-89Cole McCormick makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT93-90Cole McCormick makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT94-90Chris Ashby makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT95-90Chris Ashby makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT96-90Nasir Mann makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT97-90Jordan Watford makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT98-90Jordan Watford makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT98-93Camren Hunter makes 24-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Arkansas Bears, below favours Queens University Royals.
Venue
- VyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaJacksonville, FL
- Attendance2066
- OfficialsVladimir Voyard-Tadal, Landon Brandes, Shane Land
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