- Matchup: Bellarmine Knights vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- Scheduled Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: Baptist Health Arena, Richmond, KY
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This weekend, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (6-11) will host the Bellarmine Knights (6-10) at the Baptist Health Arena with hopes of clinching a victory.
In their previous outing, the Bellarmine Knights faced a tough challenge against North Alabama, ultimately falling 82-73. They achieved a field goal percentage of 51.9% by making 27 of 52 attempts and converted 11 of 28 three-point shots. At the free-throw line, they managed to score 8 out of 13 attempts, translating to a success rate of 61.5%. On the boards, Bellarmine tallied 19 rebounds, including 5 offensive. The Knights also recorded 19 assists while forcing their opponents into 9 turnovers and securing 5 steals. Defensively, Bellarmine allowed a field goal percentage of 54.0%, as North Alabama shot 27 of 50. North Alabama, meanwhile, had 15 assists and 6 steals, with a total of 31 rebounds (10 offensive, 21 defensive) without a block. When it came to free-throw shooting, they excelled with a 77.3% rate, sinking 17 of 22 attempts and hitting 11 out of 21 three-pointers. In terms of fouling, the Knights committed 17 fouls compared to North Alabama’s 15.
Brian Waddell was a standout player, hitting 80.0% of his shots and providing 2 assists during his 31 minutes on the floor, amassing 20 points on 8 of 10 shooting.
This season, the Bellarmine Knights carry a 6-10 record. They average 11.6 turnovers and commit 15.9 personal fouls per game. Collectively, they secure 28.6 rebounds each game and have a total of 239 assists, placing them 221st nationwide in assists per game. The Knights are hitting 36.2% of their three-point attempts (125 of 345) and enjoying a free-throw percentage of 77.8%. They score an average of 78.6 points per game, ranking 142nd in the country, while boasting a field goal success rate of 51.9%.
Defensively, the Knights force 10.9 turnovers per game and are on the wrong side of fouls with an average of 17.7 per game. Currently, they rank 272nd in D-1 for assists allowed at 255 this year. Opponents are shooting at a rate of 47.0% (449 of 955), while Bellarmine allows 33.4 rebounds per game and 36.9% shooting from beyond the arc. On points per game allowed, they stand at 330th nationwide, conceding 80.8.
In their last game, Eastern Kentucky secured a 79-75 victory over Central Arkansas. In the contest, they grabbed 21 defensive and 9 offensive rebounds for a total of 30. The Colonels committed 12 turnovers while accumulating 7 steals. Central Arkansas had 14 fouls, sending Eastern Kentucky to the free-throw line 7 times, where they made 4 shots (57.1%). The Colonels excelled in three-point shooting, converting 42.2% from beyond the arc by hitting 19 of 45 attempts. Overall, they finished 28 out of 64 from the field for a shooting percentage of 43.8%. Defensively, they allowed Central Arkansas to score 27 of their 63 attempts, as the latter shot 42.9%. Eastern Kentucky also permitted Central Arkansas 37 rebounds (11 offensive).
Juan Cranford Jr. contributed significantly for the Colonels with 20 points in 32 minutes of action, achieving 6 of 15 shooting for an efficiency of 40.0%, alongside 3 assists and 4 rebounds.
With a record of 6-11 this season, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels have struggled offensively, making 42.4% of their field goals, ranking them 314th in the nation. They have accumulated 1,360 points this season, averaging 80.0 points per game, and securing 37.4 rebounds on average. Their assist rate is 14.3 per game (188th in the nation), with a turnover rate of 11.8. The Colonels commit approximately 18.0 fouls per game and hold a free-throw percentage of 72.3%.
Eastern Kentucky’s defense allows 34.8% shooting from three-point range (139 of 400), and opponents are converting 69.8% of their free throws. They permit 15.0 assists and 36.9 rebounds per game, ranking them 284th and 296th in NCAA basketball, respectively. The Colonels stand 326th in D-1 for points allowed, giving up an average of 80.4, while managing to force 12.1 turnovers per contest and permitting opponents to shoot 47.7% from the field (335th in the nation).
Can the Knights cover the spread in this NCAA matchup?
Selection: Opt for Bellarmine
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