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Bellarmine Knights vs Queens (NC) Royals Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2026
The Bellarmine Knights travel to Charlotte to face the Queens (NC) Royals on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, in a fast-paced ASUN showdown tipping off at 3:00 PM ET inside Curry Arena. The Royals are listed as 3.5-point home favorites, with a total set at 168.5 — one of the highest on Saturday’s college hoops board.
Bellarmine wants to slow things down and control pace with their half-court execution, while Queens will look to speed things up and force a tempo game. With both teams still fighting to establish themselves in the conference standings, this matchup is all about contrast — and whichever side gets the game played on their terms likely cashes.
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Bellarmine vs Queens (NC) Odds
These are the current betting odds for Saturday’s game. Be sure to check the latest college basketball odds closer to tip for any sharp movement or lineup news.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine Knights | +145 | +3.5 (-110) | O 168.5 (-110) |
| Queens (NC) Royals | -170 | -3.5 (-110) | U 168.5 (-110) |
Bellarmine Betting Form
The Bellarmine Knights continue to operate at one of the slowest tempos in the country. They rely on structure, spacing, and methodical half-court possessions to generate looks. Turnovers are rare, and they don’t take many bad shots — but they don’t shoot many threes or get to the line often either.
Defensively, Bellarmine stays disciplined and keeps opponents in front. They don’t pressure much, and while that limits transition buckets, it also makes them vulnerable to teams with better athletes or pace advantages — like Queens. If the Knights don’t dictate the tempo, they can struggle to trade baskets.
They aren’t built to come from behind, and their shallow bench puts added pressure on staying out of foul trouble. That makes the Bellarmine injury report an important piece of the puzzle heading into game day.
Queens (NC) Betting Form
The Queens (NC) Royals play fast, shoot a ton, and generate most of their offense from early shot clock attempts and transition opportunities. At home, their tempo tends to jump even more, and they ride momentum as well as any mid-major program in the country.
They shoot over 40% of their field goals from beyond the arc, and when they’re hitting, they can bury teams quickly. Their aggressive ball pressure on defense helps them generate live-ball turnovers, but they’re also vulnerable to disciplined offenses that can beat their rotations and punish overhelp.
Their late-game edge comes from foul generation. They get to the line at a high rate and convert at a solid clip — which could be key against Bellarmine’s more rigid rotation. Be sure to check the Queens (NC) injury report to ensure all key pieces are active.
Bellarmine vs Queens (NC) Matchup Breakdown
This is a true tempo clash. Bellarmine ranks bottom-10 nationally in possessions per game, while Queens sits inside the top 30 in pace. Whoever dictates the style likely covers.
If Bellarmine controls the clock, limits live-ball turnovers, and hits their open looks, they can cover — possibly even win outright. But if Queens forces the Knights into an up-tempo game, Bellarmine simply doesn’t have the scoring depth or transition defense to keep pace.
Key matchup edges:
- Tempo Control: Bellarmine slows, Queens accelerates — the pace will decide this game.
- Three-Point Volume: Queens takes (and makes) more 3s, while Bellarmine struggles to defend the perimeter.
- Turnovers: Bellarmine protects the ball well, but Queens forces chaos. That battle could swing momentum.
- Free Throw Edge: Queens draws more fouls and shoots more FTs — big in close spreads.
Also consider the travel and rest: Queens is at home and used to the pace they play. Bellarmine’s road profile hasn’t been sharp, and they may not be able to impose their style in a hostile, fast-paced environment.
For more betting strategy tips on tempo matchups, visit our college basketball betting guide.
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Bellarmine vs Queens (NC) Predictions and Best Bets
Let’s start with the side. Laying -3.5 at home in a stylistic mismatch leans toward Queens. Bellarmine can muck it up and cover on sheer tempo control, but this is a bad matchup on the road. The Royals’ volume shooting, transition pressure, and home momentum give them a big edge if they start hot.
As for the total, 168.5 is huge — and for good reason. Queens plays to the Over, but Bellarmine’s pace suppresses scoring volume. If Bellarmine controls the game, it goes Under. But if Queens builds a lead and speeds things up, the Over could still hit even if Bellarmine stays efficient.
I lean Under slightly, but don’t love betting against a high-octane home team in a game where they might force tempo anyway.
One other angle to consider is Queens 1H -1.5 or better. They’ve been a strong first-half team at home, and Bellarmine often needs time to settle into their system.
Best Bet: Queens (NC) -3.5 (-110).
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