Central Arkansas Bears vs Stetson Hatters Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Central Arkansas vs Stetson NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in DeLand.

Central Arkansas vs Stetson Prediction

Looking to win big? The Bears and Hatters face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Hatters are hosting the game at Edmunds Center in DeLand, FL. The over/under for this Atlantic Sun conference contest is set at 146.5 points, with Stetson being favored by -1.5 at home against Central Arkansas.

Central Arkansas vs. Stetson Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Central Arkansas Bears at Stetson Hatters
Where: DeLand at Edmunds Center
Date: Thursday, January 9th
Betting Odds STETSN -1.5, CARK +111 | STETSN -136 O/U 146.5

Bears Preview: Does Central Arkansas Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?

Central Arkansas improved to 3-10 on the season with a 71-65 home win over Bellarmine on Saturday, January 4th. The Bears entered the game as -4.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

After trailing 31-30 at halftime, Central Arkansas outscored Bellarmine 41-34 in the second half. The game’s total points of 136 fell short of the 144.5 O/U line.

Bears Offense Breakdown

Central Arkansas put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 40% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 34 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 49.1%, and they connected on 57.1% of their two-point shots.

Layne Taylor led the way with 29 points, hitting 5 threes on 14 attempts. Elias Cato was efficient, shooting 87.5% overall and 2 of 3 from deep, finishing with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Billy Smith also added 21 points, making 5 threes at 41.7% shooting.

Bears Team Defense

Central Arkansas Bears gave up 65 points while holding their opponent to 40% shooting from the field, with 22 made baskets on 55 attempts. The Bears allowed 12 two-point shots on 21 attempts, a 57% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Central Arkansas's defense saw their opponent hit 10 of 34 three-point attempts, a 29% shooting performance. At the free-throw line, the Bears' opponent went 17/27, shooting 63%. Central Arkansas also allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

Hatters Preview: Does Stetson Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?

Stetson Hatters Recent Game/Games

Stetson picked up their first win of the season on Saturday, January 4th, with a 78-62 victory over West Georgia. The Hatters, who are now 1-12, were +4 point underdogs going into the game.

After trailing 32-30 at halftime, Stetson turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring the Wolves 48-30. The game’s total points of 140 fell short of the 148.5 O/U line.

Hatters Offense Breakdown

Stetson's offense put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 52.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.3%. They were particularly strong inside, hitting 64.5% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 17 threes (29.4%).

At the free-throw line, the Hatters were impressive, converting 23 of 26 attempts (88.5%). Mehki Ellison led the way with 25 points and 5 assists, while Josh Massey added 21 points on 6 of 7 shooting. Jordan Wood contributed 16 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep, and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Hatters Team Defense

Stetson's defense was solid, giving up just 62 points while holding their opponent to 34% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 18 of 51 attempts, a 35% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Stetson allowed 5 threes on 15 attempts, with the opponent shooting 33% from deep. They also sent them to the line 20 times, where they made 11 free throws, shooting 55%. Stetson gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Bears vs Hatters Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Bears last ten road games, the team averaged 66 points per game while allowing 81. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 7-3, while going 1-9 straight-up.
Across the Hatters last ten home games, the team averaged 64 points per game while allowing 84. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-6, while going 1-9 straight-up.
Looking back on the team's last five games as the underdog, the Bears have a straight up record of 0-5. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-0.
The last ten games that Stetson was favored, they have an ATS mark of 4-6 while going 8-2 straight up.