Southern Utah Tops Abilene Christian in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Moody Coliseum (Abilene)
Southern Utah Thunderbirds 79, Abilene Christian Wildcats 76, 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 Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Southern Utah Thunderbirds beat Abilene Christian Wildcats 79-76 at Moody Coliseum (Abilene) on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Abilene Christian Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds edged out the Abilene Christian Wildcats with a final score of 79-76. This game, held at Moody Coliseum in Abilene, showcased a competitive spirit, with both teams vying for a crucial win. Southern Utah's victory improves their record to 9-15, while Abilene Christian falls to 10-12.
The Thunderbirds came into this game with a recent record of 3-7 over their last ten outings, but their scoring average of 74.3 points per game indicated a capable offense, despite a defense that allowed an average of 78.7 points. They were on a two-game losing streak prior to this game, having lost to UT Arlington and Utah Tech. In contrast, Abilene Christian's recent form had been less favorable, with a record of 3-6-1 in their last ten games, averaging 62.7 points scored and 68.6 points allowed. They were on a one-game losing streak, having lost to Utah Tech just a day before this matchup.
At home, Abilene Christian had a record of 1-3 in their last four games, while Southern Utah was struggling on the road, with an away record of 0-6. The previous meeting between these two teams this season saw Southern Utah dominate with a 74-52 victory on January 18, 2026, highlighting their recent success against the Wildcats.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, suggesting that both teams may have fielded their full rosters for this important contest. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Abilene Christian favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 150.5 points. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Wildcats' potential to win at home, but the outcome proved otherwise.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, and viewers were treated to a back-and-forth contest. Key moments included Jaiden Feroah's crucial tip-in layup that briefly gave Southern Utah a lead in the second half, followed by a series of scoring plays that kept the game tightly contested until the final buzzer. Elijah Duval's 12-foot jumper sealed the victory for the Thunderbirds, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive nature of college basketball, with Southern Utah capitalizing on their previous victory over Abilene Christian to secure another win.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ACU -6.5 | 150.5 o -112 / u -108 | Southern Utah Thunderbirds +225 · Abilene Christian Wildcats -278 |
Leaders
- PointsRich Smith18Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith5Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsMa'Shy Hill4Abilene Christian Wildcats
- PointsElijah Duval27Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- AssistsElijah Duval3Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- ReboundsElijah Duval7Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Recent form
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak L162.7 scored · 68.6 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L70-76vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 30
- D0-0at Tarleton State TexansJan 27
- L52-74at Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 18
- 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
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Last 10: 3-7Streak L274.3 scored · 78.7 allowed per game0-6 away
- L61-80at UT Arlington MavericksJan 30
- L91-102at Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 25
- W84-70vs Utah Valley WolverinesJan 22
- W74-52vs Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 18
- 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
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Southern Utah Thunderbirds | Abilene Christian Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-43 | 31-60 |
| Field goal % | 67 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 3-6 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 35 |
| Free throws | 18-21 | 6-12 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 17 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 10 |
| Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 2 | 12 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 42 |
| Fouls | 11 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 7 | 84 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-42Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-43Cade Hornecker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-43Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-43Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-45Joseph Venzant makes layup
- 2nd Half45-45Jaiden Feroah makes layup
- 2nd Half45-48Christian Alston makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cbo Newton assists)
- 2nd Half46-48Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-48Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-48Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-51Christian Alston makes 26-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half51-51Tanner Hayhurst makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-51Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-51Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-54Yaniel Rivera makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half55-54Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half55-56Rich Smith makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-59Cbo Newton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Yaniel Rivera assists)
- 2nd Half57-59Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half57-60Cbo Newton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-60Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-62Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half61-62Jaiden Feroah makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-65Bradyn Hubbard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cade Hornecker assists)
- 2nd Half63-65Cale Barclay makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-67Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half63-69Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half65-69Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half66-69Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-72Bradyn Hubbard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half69-72Tanner Hayhurst makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaiden Feroah assists)
- 2nd Half71-72Jaiden Feroah makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half73-72Jaiden Feroah makes layup (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half73-74Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half75-74Elijah Duval makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half75-76Cbo Newton makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half76-76Cale Barclay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-76Cale Barclay makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-76Elijah Duval makes 12-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Abilene Christian Wildcats, below favours Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
Venue
- Moody Coliseum (Abilene)Abilene, TX
- Attendance1329
- OfficialsShane Staggs, Robert Felder, Nate Dartmann
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