Abilene Christian Edges Southern Utah in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Moody Coliseum (Abilene)
Abilene Christian Wildcats 87, Southern Utah Thunderbirds 83, 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?
Abilene Christian Wildcats beat Southern Utah Thunderbirds 87-83 at Moody Coliseum (Abilene) on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Abilene Christian Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -360 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Moody Coliseum, the Abilene Christian Wildcats narrowly defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds with a final score of 87-83. This victory marks an important win for the Wildcats, who have been struggling recently, holding a home record of 13-14 compared to the Thunderbirds' away record of 9-19. The game was characterized by back-and-forth scoring, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.
Abilene Christian entered the game with a recent record of 2-7-1 over their last ten games, including a streak of one loss. They averaged 57.6 points scored and 62.3 points allowed during this stretch. Their last five games reflected a slight improvement, with an average of 64.0 points scored and allowed. In contrast, Southern Utah had a more favorable recent record of 5-5, averaging 77.2 points scored and 78.1 points allowed. However, they were also coming off a loss, which added pressure to perform in this matchup.
The Wildcats' home performance has been inconsistent, with a home record of 2-3 in their last five games. Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds have struggled on the road with a 2-3 record in their last five away games. The teams had met four times previously, with the series tied at 2-2. In their most recent encounter on January 31, 2026, Southern Utah emerged victorious with a score of 79-76, suggesting a competitive rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams had faced challenges throughout the season that could have impacted their performance. The betting market reflected Abilene Christian as the favorite, with odds from DraftKings listing them at -8.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -360. Southern Utah was priced at +285 on the moneyline, indicating the perceived disparity in team strength.
The game conditions were typical for a college basketball matchup, held in front of a home crowd at Moody Coliseum. Fans were treated to an exciting contest that saw multiple lead changes and clutch performances. Key moments included a late flurry of scoring from both teams, with Elijah Duval and Zy Wright making crucial plays for Abilene Christian. Duval's layup and Wright's free throws helped secure the lead in the closing minutes, while Southern Utah's Logan Stephens attempted to keep the game close with a three-point jumper.
Viewers were advised to watch for the intensity of the game's final moments, as both teams fought hard to gain the upper hand. The Wildcats ultimately succeeded in maintaining their lead, resulting in a hard-fought victory that could provide momentum as they approach the end of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ACU -8.5 | 143.5 o -108 / u -112 | Southern Utah Thunderbirds +285 · Abilene Christian Wildcats -360 |
Leaders
- PointsCbo Newton16Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith7Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsCade Hornecker5Abilene Christian Wildcats
- PointsLogan Stephens20Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- AssistsElijah Duval4Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- ReboundsIsaiah Cottrell7Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Recent form
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak L157.6 scored · 62.3 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- L58-74vs California Baptist LancersJan 16
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Last 10: 5-5Streak L177.2 scored · 78.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- L74-78at Tarleton State TexansFeb 20
- W78-73at UT Arlington MavericksFeb 14
- L66-83vs California Baptist LancersFeb 13
- L59-62vs Tarleton State TexansFeb 8
- W79-76at Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 31
- 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
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 | 29-50 | 30-54 |
| Field goal % | 58 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 9-13 | 3-14 |
| Three-point % | 69 | 21 |
| Free throws | 16-22 | 24-33 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 22 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 15 |
| Assists | 10 | 11 |
| Steals | 9 | 15 |
| Blocks | 7 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 24 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 24 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 48 |
| Fouls | 25 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 73 | 23 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half56-51Joseph Venzant makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half56-54Christian Alston makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half59-54Jaiden Feroah makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half59-56Rich Smith makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-56Isaiah Cottrell makes layup
- 2nd Half61-58Christian Alston makes layup
- 2nd Half61-59Christian Alston makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-61Christian Alston makes layup (Cbo Newton assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-63Tanner Hayhurst makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-63Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-65Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half65-65Logan Stephens makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-66Christian Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-67Joseph Venzant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-69Cbo Newton makes layup
- 2nd Half66-69Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-69Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Bradyn Hubbard makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half69-72Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half69-74Cbo Newton makes layup
- 2nd Half71-74Elijah Duval makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-76Rich Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-77Cbo Newton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Jaiden Feroah makes layup
- 2nd Half73-79Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half75-79Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half75-80Joseph Venzant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-81Joseph Venzant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-82Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-82Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half78-83Zy Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-84Zy Wright makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-84Logan Stephens makes 27-foot three point jumper (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half81-85Zy Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-85Elijah Duval makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half83-86Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-87Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Abilene Christian Wildcats, below favours Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
Venue
- Moody Coliseum (Abilene)Abilene, TX
- Attendance1174
- OfficialsTrent Lovewell, Chris Hudson, Randal Anders
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