Southern Utah Dominates Abilene Christian 74-52
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · America First Events Center
Southern Utah Thunderbirds 74, Abilene Christian Wildcats 52, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Southern Utah Thunderbirds beat Abilene Christian Wildcats 74-52 at America First Events Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Abilene Christian Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds triumphed over the Abilene Christian Wildcats with a final score of 74-52. This victory not only marked a significant win for Southern Utah but also showcased their ability to perform strongly at home, especially against a team they had previously struggled against. Prior to this game, Southern Utah had lost both of their previous meetings with Abilene Christian, with scores of 70-84 and 59-75 in the 2025 season. This win breaks that losing streak and demonstrates a turnaround in their performance.
Southern Utah entered the game with a home record of 6-13 and had been showing signs of improvement, having won three of their last ten games, with a recent victory against Tarleton State Texans, where they scored an impressive 106 points. On average, they scored 76.6 points while allowing 79.6 during their last ten games. Their last five games had seen them struggle slightly, with a record of 1-4 and an average of 75.2 points scored while allowing 83.6.
In contrast, Abilene Christian came into the game with a record of 10-9 and had a mixed performance in their last ten games, recording five wins and five losses. However, they were on a two-game losing streak, having lost to California Baptist Lancers and UT Arlington Mavericks. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 71.5 points, with an average of 76.4 points allowed. Their recent form indicated they were struggling to find their rhythm, particularly on the road where they had a record of 3-3 in their last six away games.
The game took place at the America First Events Center, where Southern Utah has had a better home record compared to their away performances. The Thunderbirds managed to leverage their home-court advantage effectively, as evidenced by their scoring output and defensive efforts against Abilene Christian. The Thunderbirds' ability to score 74 points while limiting the Wildcats to just 52 showcased their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency.
In terms of individual performances, Southern Utah's Jalen Lee was pivotal in the second half, contributing significantly with scoring plays that helped extend their lead. His three-point shot and subsequent jumper were crucial as the Thunderbirds pulled away in the latter stages of the game. The scoring plays highlighted a strong offensive strategy that capitalized on Abilene Christian's defensive lapses.
The betting market had priced Abilene Christian as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 149.5. However, the outcome of the game defied these odds, as Southern Utah not only covered the spread but also delivered a commanding performance that exceeded expectations.
Conditions during the game were favorable for both teams, but Southern Utah's ability to adapt and execute their game plan was evident. The Thunderbirds' recent form, particularly their ability to score heavily at home, played a significant role in their victory. With this win, Southern Utah has shown that they can compete effectively in their conference, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ACU -3.5 | 149.5 o -112 / u -108 | Abilene Christian Wildcats -175 · Southern Utah Thunderbirds +145 |
Leaders
- PointsJaiden Feroah16Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- AssistsLorenzo Abellar5Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- ReboundsIsaiah Cottrell12Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- PointsBradyn Hubbard14Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith5Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsJoseph Venzant9Abilene Christian Wildcats
Recent form
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Last 10: 3-7Streak W176.6 scored · 79.6 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W106-105vs Tarleton State TexansJan 16
- L55-58at California Baptist LancersJan 11
- L72-89at Utah Valley WolverinesJan 9
- L77-86vs UT Arlington MavericksJan 4
- L66-80at Utah Tech TrailblazersDec 30
- L57-65at Northern Arizona LumberjacksDec 19
- L69-105at Washington HuskiesDec 13
- L70-81at Oregon State BeaversDec 6
- W124-59vs West Coast Baptist EaglesDec 2
- W70-68at Stetson HattersNov 29
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak L271.5 scored · 76.4 allowed per game3-3 away
- L58-74vs California Baptist LancersJan 16
- L72-82at UT Arlington MavericksJan 10
- W84-80at Tarleton State TexansJan 9
- W85-68vs Utah Valley WolverinesJan 3
- L64-79vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 2
- W75-68at Texas Southern TigersDec 22
- L67-85at BYU CougarsDec 20
- L62-96at Arizona WildcatsDec 17
- W77-69vs New Mexico State AggiesDec 6
- W71-63at Pepperdine WavesDec 3
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Abilene Christian Wildcats | Southern Utah Thunderbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 15-63 | 28-58 |
| Field goal % | 24 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 3-18 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 17 | 36 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 10-14 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 33 |
| Assists | 10 | 15 |
| Steals | 12 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 40 |
| Fouls | 14 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 24 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-42Dylan Jones makes layup (Lorenzo Abellar assists)
- 1st Half27-42Rich Smith makes layup (Zy Wright assists)
- 1st Half27-44Jaiden Feroah makes layup (Isaiah Cottrell assists)
- 2nd Half29-44Bradyn Hubbard makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half30-44Ma'Shy Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-44Christian Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-44Christian Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-44Christian Alston makes 18-foot jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half34-46Isaiah Cottrell makes layup
- 2nd Half34-48Isaiah Cottrell makes layup (Jaiden Feroah assists)
- 2nd Half34-50Tanner Hayhurst makes layup
- 2nd Half35-50Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-50Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-52Isaiah Cottrell makes layup
- 2nd Half38-52Bradyn Hubbard makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half38-53Dylan Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-54Dylan Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-56Isaiah Cottrell makes layup (Dylan Jones assists)
- 2nd Half39-56Joseph Venzant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-56Joseph Venzant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-57Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-58Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-59Lorenzo Abellar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-60Lorenzo Abellar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-60Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-60Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-60Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-60Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-62Jalen Lee makes layup (Jaiden Feroah assists)
- 2nd Half47-62Yaniel Rivera makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-63Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-64Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-64Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-66Jalen Lee makes layup
- 2nd Half48-69Jaiden Feroah makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half49-69Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-69Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-72Jalen Lee makes 25-foot three point jumper (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half50-74Jalen Lee makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-74Joseph Scott makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Utah Thunderbirds, below favours Abilene Christian Wildcats.
Venue
- America First Events CenterCedar City, UT
- Attendance805
- OfficialsJohn Hampton, Nathan Bernis, Ray Ames
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond