Utah Tech Tops Abilene Christian in Close Contest
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Burns Arena
Utah Tech Trailblazers 85, Abilene Christian Wildcats 81, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Utah Tech Trailblazers?
Utah Tech Trailblazers beat Abilene Christian Wildcats 85-81 at Burns Arena on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Utah Tech Trailblazers?
Utah Tech Trailblazers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting clash at Burns Arena, the Utah Tech Trailblazers edged out the Abilene Christian Wildcats with a final score of 85-81. This game was significant as it showcased the competitive nature of both teams, particularly in their recent performances leading up to this matchup.
Utah Tech entered the game with a solid home record of 18-12, having won eight of their last ten games, including a recent victory against the Tarleton State Texans, where they won 80-72. Over their last five games, they averaged 73.6 points scored while allowing 72.2 points. Their home performance has been particularly strong, boasting a home record of 5-0 in their last five games. This consistency has been a key factor in their success, as they averaged 75.0 points scored and allowed 72.5 points in their last ten games.
On the other hand, Abilene Christian, with a record of 13-15, has struggled more in recent outings. They have a record of 3-6-1 in their last ten games, with their most recent win coming against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds, where they triumphed 87-83. However, their scoring average has been lower, at 60.5 points scored and 63.2 points allowed per game. Their away record has been particularly concerning, as they have not won any of their last four games on the road.
The two teams have faced each other four times in the last two seasons, with the series tied at 2-2. In their most recent meeting on January 30, 2026, Utah Tech came out on top with a 76-70 victory. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to gain an advantage in their ongoing rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the outcome of the game. The market had Utah Tech favored by 2.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 139.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the game.
The conditions in Burns Arena were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities. Utah Tech's scoring plays were pivotal in the second half, including crucial free throws from Jusaun Holt that helped seal the victory. The Trailblazers demonstrated their ability to execute under pressure, maintaining their lead in the closing moments of the game.
Viewers should have noted the intensity of the second half, where both teams exchanged leads and showcased their resilience. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with key moments like Cbo Newton's driving layup and Rich Smith's free throws keeping the game within reach for Abilene Christian.
Ultimately, Utah Tech's ability to capitalize on their home court advantage and maintain composure in critical moments led them to victory, while Abilene Christian will need to regroup and address their road performance as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UTU -2.5 | 139.5 o -112 / u -108 | Abilene Christian Wildcats +120 · Utah Tech Trailblazers -142 |
Leaders
- PointsEthan Potter25Utah Tech Trailblazers
- AssistsJusaun Holt6Utah Tech Trailblazers
- ReboundsEthan Potter8Utah Tech Trailblazers
- PointsCbo Newton27Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith4Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsBradyn Hubbard5Abilene Christian Wildcats
Recent form
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W175 scored · 72.5 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W80-72at Tarleton State TexansFeb 21
- L50-63at UT Arlington MavericksFeb 20
- W70-65vs California Baptist LancersFeb 15
- W81-77vs Utah Valley WolverinesFeb 13
- W87-84vs UT Arlington MavericksFeb 6
- W65-59at Tarleton State TexansJan 31
- W76-70at Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 30
- W102-91vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 25
- L64-73at California Baptist LancersJan 22
- W75-71vs Tarleton State TexansJan 18
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak W160.5 scored · 63.2 allowed per game0-4 away
- W87-83vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsFeb 21
- L62-65at Tarleton State TexansFeb 17
- W73-59vs Tarleton State TexansFeb 14
- W67-63vs UT Arlington MavericksFeb 13
- L63-65at California Baptist LancersFeb 8
- L55-68at Utah Valley WolverinesFeb 6
- L76-79vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 31
- L70-76vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 30
- D0-0at Tarleton State TexansJan 27
- L52-74at Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 18
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 | Utah Tech Trailblazers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-62 | 33-54 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 61 |
| Three-pointers | 7-22 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 42 |
| Free throws | 14-16 | 11-15 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 25 |
| Assists | 15 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 42 |
| Fouls | 19 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 11 | 75 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-54Jusaun Holt makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half46-54Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-54Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Chance Trujillo makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half49-57Rich Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-60Chance Trujillo makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half51-60Rich Smith makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Yaniel Rivera assists)
- 2nd Half51-62Britton Berrett makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Chance Trujillo assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-62Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-62Yaniel Rivera makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-62Yaniel Rivera makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-64Ethan Potter makes layup (Chance Trujillo assists)
- 2nd Half58-64Christian Alston makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half58-66Jusaun Holt makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-66Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-66Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Christian Alston makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-66Cbo Newton makes driving layup (Joseph Scott assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Noah Bolanga makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-67Joseph Scott makes layup (Cbo Newton assists)
- 2nd Half66-70Chance Trujillo makes 26-foot three point jumper (Britton Berrett assists)
- 2nd Half68-70Christian Alston makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-70Cbo Newton makes layup
- 2nd Half70-72Noah Bolanga makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-72Joseph Venzant makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half72-74Ethan Potter makes 4-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half74-74Christian Alston makes layup (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half74-76Ethan Potter makes layup (Jusaun Holt assists)
- 2nd Half74-78Chance Trujillo makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-80Chance Trujillo makes layup (Jusaun Holt assists)
- 2nd Half74-82Noah Bolanga makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-82Cbo Newton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-82Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-82Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-82Bradyn Hubbard makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-83Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-83Yaniel Rivera makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-84Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-85Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Utah Tech Trailblazers, below favours Abilene Christian Wildcats.
Venue
- Burns ArenaSt. George, UT
- Attendance2274
- OfficialsDarron George, D.G. Nelson, Tommy Johnson
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