The Atlantic Sun Conference title is on the line Sunday as Queens University faces Central Arkansas in the conference championship game. Both teams arrive in strong form after winning two tournament games in Jacksonville, setting up a high scoring battle between two offenses that rank among the best in the league. Before tip-off from Duval County, continue reading to get my Queens University vs Central Arkansas prediction as we find out who ends up securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Our Queens University vs Central Arkansas Pick
Pick: Central Arkansas -2.5
Confidence: 3 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Queens University Royals @ Central Arkansas Bears
- Date & Time: Sunday, March 8, 6:00 PM ET
- Venue: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
- Broadcast: ESPN2
Key Storylines
This championship meeting pits one of the most explosive offenses in the ASUN against one of the conference’s most efficient defensive units. Queens pushes the pace and looks to score early in the shot clock, which has helped the Royals average over 84 points per contest this season. Central Arkansas plays a more balanced style and has consistently limited opponents to around 74 points per game.
Another factor is recent form. Queens has won four of its last five games, including tournament victories over West Georgia and Austin Peay. Central Arkansas enters the final on a four-game winning streak and defeated Florida Gulf Coast 73-63 in the semifinal. The Bears have also shown an ability to win tight games late in the season, including their five-point victory against Queens on February 28.
Key Players
Central Arkansas Bears
- Camren Hunter: The Bears guard is the engine of the offense, averaging about 20.1 points per game while shooting just over 50% from the field. Hunter also contributes 4.3 rebounds and nearly 3 assists per game, making him the primary scoring option and a player capable of taking over late in games.
- Ty Robinson: Robinson anchors the interior with around 5.6 rebounds per game and contributes solid scoring in the paint. His presence on the glass helps Central Arkansas maintain a rebounding advantage in many matchups.
- Luke Moore: Moore runs the offense and averages roughly 3.6 assists per game. His ability to create shots for teammates is a key reason the Bears average more than 16 assists per contest.
Queens University Royals
- Nasir Mann: Mann leads Queens with about 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field. His versatility allows him to contribute as a scorer and rebounder.
- Yoav Berman: Berman is the team’s top distributor with about 3.7 assists per game. His ball movement helps Queens maintain one of the highest assist totals in the conference.
- Chris Ashby: Ashby adds scoring depth for the Royals and has been productive during recent games. His perimeter shooting can stretch defenses and create driving lanes.
Stat Comparison
| Stat | Queens | Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 84.5 | 80.5 |
| Points allowed per game | 82.6 | 74.0 |
| Team Field Goal % | 48% | 46% |
| Rebounds per game | 33.5 | 35.9 |
| Assists per game | 15.8 | 16.2 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Central Arkansas won the most recent meeting 84-79 on February 28.
- The last six meetings between the teams are split 3-3.
- Queens enters the final after wins over Austin Peay and West Georgia.
- Central Arkansas defeated Bellarmine and Florida Gulf Coast to reach the championship.
Queens University vs Central Arkansas Model Projection
Score Projection: Central Arkansas 83 – Queens University 79
Win Probability: Central Arkansas 58%, Queens University 42%
Final Thoughts
This championship game features two teams capable of scoring in bunches, but the defensive edge for Central Arkansas stands out. The Bears have already proven they can slow down Queens enough to secure a win, and their rebounding advantage could become critical in a tight contest. Queens will keep the game close with its high-powered offense, yet Central Arkansas appears better equipped to control the tempo and close out possessions. I’ll lay the points with Central Arkansas with the ASUN title up for grabs.
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