NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Central Arkansas vs Bellarmine Picks and Predictions – January 8, 2026
Two struggling ASUN teams face off Thursday night as Central Arkansas visits Bellarmine at Knights Hall in Louisville. Tip is set for 7:00 PM ET. The Bears (5–11, 1–3 ASUN) are still searching for consistency away from home, while the Knights (4–12, 0–4 ASUN) are desperate to stop a four-game conference skid.
Both teams are buried in the bottom half of the league standings, and while this isn’t a headline game, it matters — for momentum, for rotations, for sanity. Bellarmine opened as slight 1.5-point home favorites, but the line is tight for a reason. This game projects close wire-to-wire with value hiding in tempo and execution.
Discover Where the Sharps Are Betting
Real Trends, Real Edges, Real Wins
Central Arkansas vs Bellarmine Odds
These are the current betting lines. Always double-check the latest college basketball odds for movement before locking anything in.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Arkansas | -109 | +1.5 (-120) | O 156.5 |
| Bellarmine | -111 | -1.5 (+100) | U 156.5 |
Central Arkansas Betting Form
Central Arkansas is volatile. They want to run, shoot quick, and push pace — ranking top-25 in adjusted tempo. Their offensive strength is transition and early-clock threes. The downside? They don’t defend, they foul a lot, and they turn it over more than they should.
On offense, the Bears shoot over 40% of their attempts from deep but hit under 33%. They do generate fouls and get to the line often, which inflates their total scoring. Defensively, they give up too many second chances and fail to close out well on shooters.
If you’re betting this side, check the Central Arkansas injury report for availability, especially among their backcourt starters. You can also dive deeper with full Central Arkansas stats and results.
Bellarmine Betting Form
Bellarmine plays a total opposite style — slow, methodical, heavy on back cuts and spacing. They rank bottom-25 in tempo and rarely get to the line. But they do execute, they share the ball, and they don’t beat themselves with turnovers.
The Knights’ issue this year is efficiency. They don’t shoot well enough to overcome their pace, and defensively they’ve regressed. Opponents are hitting nearly 38% from three, and the lack of rim protection means any breakdown leads to points.
Still, they’re more comfortable at home. The crowd at Knights Hall won’t overwhelm anyone, but Bellarmine has shown sharper starts there. Check the Bellarmine injury report for any rotation shifts and monitor Bellarmine schedule and stats for home/road splits.
Central Arkansas vs Bellarmine Matchup Breakdown
This is a true pace clash: one team tries to run you into chaos, the other tries to slow it into a halfcourt chess match. Whichever side controls tempo probably wins — or at least covers.
- Tempo Edge: Central Arkansas pushes, Bellarmine drags. The whistle could decide who gets their rhythm.
- 3PT Shooting: Both teams allow clean looks from deep. Bears take more. If they hit early, Bellarmine may not keep up.
- Turnovers: Central Arkansas is sloppier. Bellarmine doesn’t pressure much but wins possession with discipline.
- Free Throws: Bears get to the line more, but miss often. Could swing late if it’s a foul-heavy finish.
This isn’t a travel-heavy spot and both teams are on equal rest. But if the game gets fast, Bellarmine may not have the legs or firepower to hang.
For more on how to evaluate matchups like this, check out our sports betting strategy guide.
Follow Winning Trends Across Every League
The Smartest Way to Bet Daily
Central Arkansas vs Bellarmine Predictions and Best Bets
This line opened close and stayed there — but I lean toward Central Arkansas outright. The Bears have real scoring upside when the game opens up, and Bellarmine doesn’t have the kind of defense to keep them from finding rhythm. If UCA can hit even league-average from deep, this number is short.
Bellarmine is capable, but they just haven’t shown enough to justify a favorite role, even at home. The slow tempo also makes it harder for them to create separation — this likely ends within one or two possessions.
On the total, 156.5 is high, but justified. Central Arkansas games often finish in the 160s, and even Bellarmine has seen totals creep up when their opponents dictate. I’d lean Over, especially if the whistle is active.
Best Bet: Central Arkansas +1.5 (-120).
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Don’t just bet one game — ScoresAndStats delivers high-volume NCAAB action daily. Check out today’s college basketball picks across the board from multiple experts.
Want transparency and edge? Track the handicapper leaderboard to see who’s hot, compare styles with the top sports handicappers, or lock in sharp plays with premium NCAAB picks.
