Central Arkansas Bears vs Stetson Hatters NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/9/25
Looking to win big? The Bears and Hatters face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Hatters are hosting the game at Edmunds Center in DeLand, FL. The odds for this Atlantic Sun conference game currently have Stetson as the -1.5 point favorite with the over/under line sitting at 146.5 points.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEARS VS STETSON HATTERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Stetson Hatters -1.5
This game will be played at Edmunds Center at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 9th.
WHY BET THE STETSON HATTERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 81-66 in favor of the Hatters.
- Not only will Stetson pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Do the Bears Stand a Chance on the Road?
Central Arkansas Bears Recent Game/Games
The Bears improved to 3-10 on the season with a 71-65 win over Bellarmine on Saturday, January 4th. Playing at home, Central Arkansas entered the game as -4.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.
After trailing 31-30 at halftime, the Bears outscored Bellarmine 41-34 in the 2nd half to secure the win. The game’s total points of 136 fell short of the 144.5 O/U line.
Central Arkansas put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 40% from the field. They hit 29.4% from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 of 34 attempts, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 49.1%.
Layne Taylor led the way with 29 points, hitting 5 threes on 14 attempts. Elias Cato was efficient, going 7-for-8 from the field and 2-for-3 from deep, finishing with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Billy Smith also added 21 points, knocking down 5 threes at a 41.7% clip.
Central Arkansas held their opponent to 65 points, allowing them to shoot 40% from the field on 22 of 55 attempts. Inside the arc, the Bears gave up 12 two-point baskets on 21 attempts, a 57% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Central Arkansas allowed 10 three-pointers on 34 attempts, with their opponent shooting 29% from deep. The Bears also sent them to the free-throw line 27 times, where they converted 17 for 63%. Central Arkansas gave up 12 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will Stetson Live Up to Expectations at Home?
Stetson Hatters Recent Game/Games
Stetson picked up their first win of the season on Saturday, January 4th, with a 78-62 victory over West Georgia. The Hatters, who are now 1-12, were +4 point underdogs going into the game.
Trailing 32-30 at halftime, Stetson turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring the Wolves 48-30. The game’s total points of 140 fell short of the O/U line of 148.5.
Stetson’s offense put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 52.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.3%. They were particularly strong inside, hitting 64.5% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, going just 5-for-17 (29.4%).
At the free-throw line, the Hatters were nearly automatic, converting 23 of 26 attempts (88.5%). Mehki Ellison led the way with 25 points and 5 assists, while Josh Massey added 21 points on 6-of-7 shooting, also grabbing 6 rebounds.
Stetson’s defense was strong in their last game, holding their opponent to just 62 points on 34% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 18 of 51 attempts, a 35% success rate.
From beyond the arc, Stetson allowed 5 threes on 15 attempts, a 33% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 20 times, where they made 11, shooting 55%. Stetson gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.