JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — A tightly contested conference rivalry will be renewed Saturday when the Central Arkansas Bears host the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

The Bears (21-11) enter with the superior record and momentum, having won eight of their last nine games. Their offense is powered by guard Camren Hunter, who is averaging 28.6 points over his last five contests. Hunter erupted for 31 points in just 26 minutes in Friday’s 86-73 win over Bellarmine and scored 30 in each of his previous two games. He will be eager for a rematch after posting 24 points, six rebounds and three assists in a 75-71 overtime loss at Florida Gulf Coast on Feb. 21.

The Eagles (16-17) have been inconsistent but are coming off one of their best performances of the season, a dominant 77-53 road victory at Lipscomb on Friday. Guard Rahmir Barno led the way with 18 points in that win and was instrumental in the previous meeting with Central Arkansas, contributing 13 points and five assists. Florida Gulf Coast has shown a knack for close games, with four of its last six wins decided by four points or fewer, including the overtime triumph over the Bears.

This will be the third meeting this season between the teams. Central Arkansas won the first encounter 85-83 at home on Jan. 1, setting the stage for another potential nail-biter. The neutral-site setting in Jacksonville adds another layer to a series defined by narrow margins.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Central Arkansas is projected with a 60.90 percent probability to win. However, the Eagles have proven they can defeat the Bears, making this a critical game for postseason positioning and rivalry bragging rights. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026.