Bellarmine vs North Alabama Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

In this article, we will formulate a Bellarmine vs North Alabama prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd at Flowers Hall in Florence, Alabama. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Bellarmine Knights Betting Preview

The Bellarmine Knights are 3-10 this year after they lost to Colorado by a score of 79-55 in their last game. Bellarmine trailed 45-16 at halftime but did outscore Colorado in the second half. The Knights shot 39.6% from the field, 26.9% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Dezmond McKinney led Bellarmine with 12 points and four rebounds, while Billy Smith added nine points and five assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Knights lost to Wyoming by a score of 92-55 and Ball State by a score of 86-82. Bellarmine has lost five of their last six games and they only have one win against a D-1 opponent this year. Bellarmine has scored 72.8 points per game and they have allowed 79.8 points per game, while also averaging 30.5 rebounds and 15.5 assists per game this season. Ben Johnson is averaging 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while Billy Smith is averaging 12.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season. Bellarmine is shooting 46.7% from the field, 81.3% on free throws, and 35.8% on three-pointers this year. 

North Alabama Lions Betting Preview

The North Alabama Lions are 8-5 this season after they lost to Loyola Marymount by a score of 85-69 in their last game. North Alabama trailed 41-31 at halftime, but they did score 38 points in the second half in the loss. The Lions shot 35.9% from the field, 15% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Jacari Lane led North Alabama with 20 points and four assists, while Daniel Ortiz added 13 points and two steals in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Lions defeated Charleston Southern by a score of 86-69 and East Carolina by a score of 74-67. North Alabama has won three of their last four games and five of their last eight. North Alabama has scored 78.2 points per game and they have allowed 72.2 points per game, while also averaging 35.2 rebounds and 12.2 assists per game this year. Jacari Lane is averaging 16.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while Will Soucie is averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this year. North Alabama is shooting 45.3% from the field, 72.7% on free throws, and 33.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Why North Alabama will beat Bellarmine

• Bellarmine has lost each of its last 11 road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• North Alabama has won each of its last 10 Thursday games at CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall.
• North Alabama has won the first half in five of its last six home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Six of North Alabama’s last seven home games have produced a total of 152+ points.
• Five of Bellarmine’s last six road games against the ASUN Conference have produced a total of 152+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• North Alabama ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.2).
• North Alabama ranks T25th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.8).
• Bellarmine ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (1.6).
• Bellarmine ranks T35th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.3).

Bellarmine vs North Alabama Prediction 

Bellarmine comes into this matchup looking for just their second win against a D-1 opponent this year, but they will be on the road here. The Knights have scored 55 points in each of their last two games, but they are scoring over 72 points per game this year. The main issue for Bellarmine is their defense, as they are allowing nearly 80 points per game this year. North Alabama has plenty of momentum coming into conference play, as they have played well during the non-conference schedule. The Lions are the much better defensive team and I think they are going to win this game with ease. Take North Alabama here.