- Matchup: Belmont Bruins vs Evansville Purple Aces
- Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Venue: Ford Center, Evansville, IN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Ford Center will host the battle between the Evansville Purple Aces (4-7) and the Belmont Bruins (10-1) this upcoming Tuesday.
In their latest game, the Belmont Bruins secured a nail-biting victory over UIC, ending the matchup at 87-84. The Bruins committed 14 fouls while UIC fouled 20 times. Belmont managed to hit 13 of their 32 attempts from beyond the arc, whereas UIC went an impressive 100.0% from the free throw line, hitting all 13 of their attempts. UIC recorded 26 rebounds (13 offensive, 13 defensive) but was unable to block any shots. They also distributed 17 assists along with 7 steals. On defense, Belmont allowed UIC to shoot 44.6% from the field, letting them make 29 out of 65 attempts. Belmont, meanwhile, recorded 17 assists, forced 8 turnovers, and made 4 steals. They grabbed a total of 27 rebounds, with 9 on the offensive end. From the charity stripe, the Bruins hit 16 of 22 shots, shooting 72.7%. Belmont concluded the game with a solid 58.0% field goal percentage (29 for 50) and sank 13 out of 25 three-point attempts.
Key player Nic McClain stood out by shooting 57.1% from the field and dishing out 7 assists. He played for 33 minutes, collecting 3 rebounds and scoring 17 points on 4 out of 7 shooting.
This season, Belmont boasts an impressive record of 10-1. They average 13.5 turnovers and commit 16.1 personal fouls per game. As a team, the Bruins grab 39.9 rebounds per contest and have tallied 206 assists this season, placing them 23rd nationally in assists. They shoot 38.6% from three-point range (118 out of 306) and 65.2% from the free throw line. Averaging 85.7 points per game, they rank 59th in college basketball while hitting 52.0% of their field goals.
On the defensive side, the Bruins force an average of 13.5 turnovers per game, while committing 16.9 fouls. They rank 72nd in the nation in assists allowed, permitting 120 assists. The Bruin defense surrenders a field goal percentage of 36.6% (253 out of 691) and averages 34.2 rebounds allowed per game, including 28.9% shooting from beyond the arc. They rank 84th in points allowed, giving up 68.3 points per game.
On the other hand, the Evansville Purple Aces faced a setback, losing to Notre Dame by a score of 82-58. In this game, Evansville allowed Notre Dame to secure 37 total rebounds (9 offensive). The Aces shot an impressive 56.0% from three-point range, converting 14 of 25 attempts, and finished at 70.6% from the free throw line, hitting 12 out of 17 shots. Defensively, Evansville conceded 28 out of 59 shots to Notre Dame, resulting in a 47.5% shooting percentage for their opponents. Ultimately, the Aces managed a field goal shooting rate of 39.6% by converting 21 out of 53 attempts. From three-point range, Evansville hit 8 of 24 (33.3%) and made 8 free throw attempts at a 61.5% success rate. Notre Dame committed 17 fouls, granting the Aces 13 shots from the line. Evansville also lost possession 13 times and recorded 6 steals, finishing with a total of 25 rebounds (18 defensive and 7 offensive).
Connor Turnbull was a standout performer for the Aces, scoring 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting for a field goal percentage of 54.5%, along with 9 rebounds and 1 assist in 26 minutes of play.
This season, Evansville holds a record of 4-7. They average 17.3 personal fouls and convert 69.3% of their free throw attempts. The Aces average 14.1 assists per game (ranked 216th nationally) and turn the ball over 12.7 times per contest. Overall, they have scored 759 points this season (69.0 per game) and average 33.5 rebounds.
Defensively, the Evansville Aces allow opponents to shoot 37.0% on three-point attempts (97 of 262). Opponents convert 75.4% of their free throw attempts against them. Evansville concedes 12.9 assists and 35.3 rebounds per game, ranking 153rd and 219th respectively in these categories. They are positioned 165th nationally in points allowed, with a rate of 72.5 points per game. The Aces force their opponents into 13.1 turnovers per game and allow a shooting percentage of 43.3% (ranked 180th in college basketball).
Who will emerge victorious in this NCAA face-off against the spread?
Prediction: Back Belmont to win
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