If you’ve been following the Atlantic Sun Conference lately, you know things are getting weird. It’s not just about who has the better jump shot anymore. When you look at Jacksonville vs Eastern Ky, you’re looking at a clash of cultures, geography, and some seriously gritty basketball. People keep trying to turn this into a simple stat sheet battle, but honestly? It’s way more chaotic than that.
Most fans assume Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) just steamrolls everyone with that high-octane offense Coach A.W. Hamilton loves to run. But if you look at the recent history, Jacksonville University (JU) has become a massive thorn in their side. We’re talking about a Dolphins team that, just last season, managed to pull off a season sweep against the Colonels. That’s not supposed to happen when one team is consistently picked at the top of the preseason polls.
The Breakdown of the Current Season
Right now, in the 2025-26 stretch, both teams are grinding through the ASUN schedule. As of mid-January 2026, Jacksonville is sitting at roughly 6-12 overall. That looks bad on paper, right? Well, sort of. They just came off a dominant 75-43 win against West Georgia, proving they can absolutely lock teams down when the defense clicks. Chris Lockett Jr. has been the guy to watch lately, dropping 18 in that last outing.
On the other side, Eastern Kentucky is usually the more explosive unit. They’re averaging over 82 points a game this season. They’ve got guys like Turner Buttry who can basically shoot from the parking lot. But they’ve also shown some cracks, like that recent overtime heartbreaker against Central Arkansas.
Why Jacksonville vs Eastern Ky is Such a Tactical Nightmare
The reason these games are always close—often decided by fewer than five points—is the contrast in styles. EKU wants to run you out of the gym. They play "Most Exciting 40 Minutes in Basketball," or at least they try to. It's transition, it's three-pointers, and it's constant pressure.
Jacksonville, under Jordan Mincy, usually wants to drag you into a dark alley and wrestle. They prioritize rebounding and defensive field goal percentage. Last year, in their 82-75 win over EKU, the Dolphins won the rebounding battle 41-34. That’s the secret sauce. If Jacksonville can slow the game down and win the glass, EKU gets frustrated. When EKU gets frustrated, they start forcing shots.
Recent Head-to-Head History
- February 2025: Jacksonville 80, Eastern Kentucky 72.
- January 2025: Jacksonville 82, Eastern Kentucky 75.
- March 2024: A wild 2-point game that went JU’s way.
- January 2024: EKU actually took this one 75-59, showing what happens when their shots actually fall.
You've gotta appreciate the irony here. EKU joined the ASUN to dominate, and while they’ve had plenty of success, Jacksonville has turned into their ultimate "trap game."
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The Women's Side is Just as Intense
Don't sleep on the women's matchups either. The EKU women’s team has been on an absolute tear in early 2026. They’re 14-4 overall and 5-0 in the conference. They recently beat Lipscomb 69-60, led by Ndidiamaka Ndukwe’s 25 points. When they face Jacksonville later this month (January 22, 2026, to be exact), the Dolphins are going to have their hands full trying to stop that momentum.
Jacksonville's women's team has struggled more this year, but they’ve shown flashes of brilliance. Last February, they managed to beat EKU 80-72 in a game where Edyn Battle went off for 17 points and 7 assists. It’s a recurring theme: EKU has the better record, but Jacksonville has the "X-factor" in head-to-head matchups.
The Geography and the "Bus Legs" Factor
Let’s be real—travel matters. When Jacksonville has to go up to Richmond, Kentucky, in the middle of January, it’s a shock to the system. It’s cold, the arena is loud, and those bus rides through the mountains aren't exactly relaxing. Conversely, when the Colonels fly down to Florida, they’re dealing with humidity and a different kind of atmosphere at Swisher Gymnasium.
Swisher is a small, intimate gym. It feels like the fans are on top of the court. For a team like EKU that relies on rhythm, that tight environment can really mess with their flow. I’ve seen EKU shooters who normally hit 40% from deep struggle to find their marks in that gym.
What to Watch for in the Next Matchup
If you're betting on or just watching the next Jacksonville vs Eastern Ky game, keep an eye on the turnover margin. EKU usually forces a ton of turnovers, but Jacksonville has become much better at "boring" basketball—protecting the rock and taking the air out of the ball.
- Rebounding: If JU is +5 or better on the boards, they probably win.
- The Three-Point Line: EKU needs to hit at least 10 triples to feel comfortable.
- The Pace: If the score is in the 60s, advantage Jacksonville. If it’s in the 80s, it’s all EKU.
Honestly, the ASUN is wide open this year. While teams like Queens and Austin Peay are sitting at the top of the standings right now, the mid-pack battle between schools like Jacksonville and EKU is what determines who gets a favorable seed in the tournament.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're looking to get deeper into this rivalry, don't just check the final scores. Look at the "Points in the Paint" and "Second Chance Points" stats. Jacksonville thrives on the "ugly" points—putbacks, free throws, and post-ups. EKU thrives on the "pretty" points—fast break layups and transition threes.
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- Follow the rosters: Watch for injury reports on Chris Lockett Jr. (JU) and Turner Buttry (EKU). They are the engines.
- Check the venue: Home-court advantage has shifted lately. Jacksonville has been surprisingly good on the road in Kentucky.
- Watch the first 5 minutes: EKU usually tries to "punch" teams early. If Jacksonville survives the first five minutes without being down by double digits, they usually hang around until the end.
This isn't a rivalry built on 50 years of hatred. It’s a rivalry built on two programs trying to prove they belong at the top of a rapidly changing conference. Whether it’s the men’s or women’s game, expect a dogfight.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the ASUN's official stat portal and the local beat writers in both Richmond and Jacksonville. The narrative changes every week, especially with the way the transfer portal keeps shuffling these rosters. Don't assume the team with the better record is going to walk away with a win here—history says otherwise.