Central Arkansas Bears vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels Picks and Predictions – January 31th 2026

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Eastern Kentucky looks to stay in the top tier of the ASUN as they host Central Arkansas on Thursday, January 31, at Baptist Health Arena. The Colonels are favored by double digits in what sets up as a high-tempo mismatch — especially if Central Arkansas can’t take care of the basketball.

Eastern Kentucky (13–9, 7–2 ASUN) has won 6 of its last 8 and is back in rhythm offensively. Central Arkansas (6–16, 2–8 ASUN) has shown flashes but remains one of the league’s worst defensive units. If the Colonels push pace and finish in transition, this could get out of hand early.

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Central Arkansas Bears vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Central Arkansas Bears+480+11.5 (-110)O 154.5 (-110)
Eastern Kentucky Colonels-750-11.5 (-110)U 154.5 (-110)

Central Arkansas Bears Betting Form

Central Arkansas plays fast but without control. They rank near the top of the ASUN in tempo but bottom-three in efficiency and turnover rate. Their backcourt has struggled to create clean looks, and they often settle for low-percentage shots.

Defensively, the Bears allow too many open threes and second-chance points. They don’t rebound well and foul too frequently, which is a dangerous combo when facing a disciplined offense like EKU’s.

Monitor roster updates via the Central Arkansas Bears injury report, and review efficiency metrics at the Central Arkansas Bears stats and results.

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Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Form

Eastern Kentucky can score in bunches — especially at home. They run a balanced offense with solid ball movement and effective spacing. When they control tempo, they put up points in a hurry. The Colonels also protect the rim well and force turnovers at one of the highest rates in the league.

They’ve covered in four of their last six games and thrive in games where they’re allowed to dictate pace. If their perimeter shots fall early, it’s tough for a team like UCA to keep up.

Stay updated on key player availability via the Eastern Kentucky Colonels injury report. For more data on team splits and shooting trends, check the Eastern Kentucky Colonels schedule and stats.

Central Arkansas vs Eastern Kentucky Matchup Breakdown

This game will likely be fast-paced — both teams push tempo, but only one does it efficiently. Eastern Kentucky has the more consistent scoring profile, a clear rebounding edge, and a turnover-forcing defense that can exploit UCA’s loose handle.

Key matchup angles:

  • EKU forces 15.3 turnovers per game (ASUN top 2)
  • UCA allows 77.8 PPG on the road
  • Colonels +7.2 average scoring margin at home
  • Bears are 2–10 SU as road underdogs this season

Unless EKU gets sloppy with the ball or goes ice cold, they should cover this number with breathing room.

Central Arkansas vs Eastern Kentucky Predictions and Best Bets

Eastern Kentucky -11.5 is the side I’m backing. The market may react cautiously to a big number in-conference, but the Colonels’ style and talent gap justify the spread. UCA’s poor rebounding and turnover rate are major concerns on the road.

The total at 154.5 is a touch high, but both teams push tempo. Slight lean to the Over based on possessions and transition chances — though it could flatten if EKU pulls starters late.

Best Bet: Eastern Kentucky Colonels -11.5 (-110).

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