Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs Central Arkansas Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/2/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Colonels versus the Bears? Tip off is at at 8:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Farris Center in Conway, AR. Eastern Kentucky is favored by -5.5 in this Atlantic Sun conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 149.5 points.
EASTERN KENTUCKY COLONELS VS CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Central Arkansas Bears +5.5
This game will be played at Farris Center at 8:30 ET on Thursday, January 2nd.
WHY BET THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Bears.
- Not only will Central Arkansas pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Can the Colonels Offense Score Enough on the Road?
Eastern Kentucky Colonels Recent Game/Games
Eastern Kentucky fell to 4-7 on the season after a narrow 78-76 loss to Louisville on Saturday. The Colonels were +21.5 point underdogs heading into the game, but managed to keep it much closer than expected.
After trailing 46-37 at halftime, Eastern Kentucky outscored Louisville 39-32 in the second half. The game’s total points of 154 fell just short of the 157.5 O/U line.
Eastern Kentucky put up 76 points in their last game, shooting 44.8% from the field and 40% from three-point range, hitting 10 of 25 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage stood at 52.2%, and they connected on 85.7% of their free throws, going 6 for 7 from the line.
George Kimble III led the Colonels with 24 points, hitting 4 of 10 from deep, while Devontae Blanton added 22 points. Terrence Edwards Jr. contributed 20 points, shooting 50% from both the field and three-point range. Chucky Hepburn dished out 7 assists, and J’Vonne Hadley grabbed 10 rebounds.
Eastern Kentucky’s defense gave up 78 points despite holding their opponent to 37% shooting from the field, including 30% from beyond the arc. The Colonels allowed 24 made field goals on 64 attempts.
From the free-throw line, Eastern Kentucky’s opponent shot 79%, hitting 19 of 24 attempts. The Colonels also gave up 21 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will the Bears Secure A Victory as Home Underdogs?
Central Arkansas Bears Recent Game/Games
Central Arkansas fell to 2-9 on the season after an 89-66 road loss to Oklahoma on Sunday, December 22nd. Despite being +26.5 point underdogs, the Bears managed to cover the spread.
Central Arkansas trailed 46-39 at halftime but struggled in the 2nd half, scoring just 27 points while allowing 43. The game’s total points of 155 exceeded the O/U line of 147.5.
Central Arkansas struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 28.1% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.8%, and they managed only 9 offensive rebounds. They did connect on 81.8% of their free throws, going 9-for-11 from the line.
Duke Miles led the way with 29 points, hitting 4-of-8 from deep and shooting 64.7% overall. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points and 5 assists, while Jalon Moore contributed 17 points, shooting 53.8% from the field.
Central Arkansas struggled defensively, giving up 89 points on 48% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to connect on 23 of 39 two-point attempts, a 59% success rate.
From beyond the arc, Central Arkansas gave up 10 threes on 29 attempts, with their opponent shooting 34%. They also sent them to the line 14 times, where they hit 13 free throws, a 92% clip.