Southern Utah Edges Tarleton State in Overtime Thriller
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · America First Events Center
Southern Utah Thunderbirds 106, Tarleton State Texans 105, 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 Tarleton State Texans vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Southern Utah Thunderbirds beat Tarleton State Texans 106-105 at America First Events Center on January 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Tarleton State Texans vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Tarleton State Texans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds narrowly defeated the Tarleton State Texans 106-105 in overtime at the America First Events Center. This game showcased the resilience of the Thunderbirds, who snapped a seven-game losing streak, while the Texans were left to ponder what could have been after a strong start to their season.
Southern Utah entered the contest with a home record of 5-13 and a recent form that had seen them struggle significantly, posting a 2-8 record over their last ten games. Their scoring average during this stretch was 71.4 points per game, but they were allowing an average of 75.2 points, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. The Thunderbirds had not won since December 2, 2025, and their last five games had seen them score an average of just 65.4 points while conceding 75.6. In contrast, Tarleton State came into the game with an 11-7 overall record and a 7-3 record over their last ten games, averaging 81.8 points while allowing 68.2. However, they were on a one-game losing streak following a defeat to Abilene Christian.
Historically, this matchup has favored Tarleton State, as they had won both previous meetings in the 2025 season, with scores of 75-58 and 74-66. The Thunderbirds were hoping to turn the tide in their favor this time around, especially given their struggles in recent outings. The Texans had a solid away record of 2-1, while Southern Utah had only managed a 1-7 record in away games.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams were looking to field their strongest lineups to secure a crucial victory. The betting market, provided by DraftKings, had Tarleton State favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 150.5. The odds reflected the Texans' stronger season performance, but the Thunderbirds' home advantage and desperate need for a win added intrigue to the matchup.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting contest, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The first half was competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. However, it was in the overtime period that the game truly came alive. With the score tied at 105 in the closing moments, Elijah Duval of Southern Utah made two crucial free throws, sealing the victory for the Thunderbirds.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides. Key plays included a series of layups from Cam McDowell and Elijah Duval, which highlighted their ability to perform under pressure. The final moments were tense, with both teams making critical shots, but it was Southern Utah's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities that ultimately clinched the game.
This victory not only marked a significant win for Southern Utah but also showcased their potential for future games as they look to build on this momentum. The Thunderbirds will aim to leverage this victory to improve their standing in the league, while Tarleton State will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next challenge.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TAR -3.5 | 150.5 o -115 / u -105 | Tarleton State Texans -185 · Southern Utah Thunderbirds +154 |
Leaders
- PointsDylan Jones22Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- AssistsLorenzo Abellar5Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- ReboundsJaiden Feroah9Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- PointsDior Johnson40Tarleton State Texans
- AssistsCam McDowell3Tarleton State Texans
- ReboundsChris Mpaka6Tarleton State Texans
Recent form
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Last 10: 2-8Streak L771.4 scored · 75.2 allowed per game1-1 at home
- 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
- L54-61at Robert Morris ColonialsNov 28
Tarleton State Texans
Last 10: 7-3Streak L181.8 scored · 68.2 allowed per game2-1 away
- L80-84vs Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 9
- W81-76vs California Baptist LancersJan 3
- L85-91vs Utah Valley WolverinesJan 2
- W69-63at UT Arlington MavericksDec 30
- W78-54vs Florida A&M RattlersDec 20
- W88-64at Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 17
- W93-63vs Cameron AggiesDec 7
- W119-54vs Howard Payne Yellow JacketsDec 4
- L58-76at Cincinnati BearcatsDec 2
- W67-57vs Midwestern State MustangsNov 28
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 | Tarleton State Texans | Southern Utah Thunderbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 38-74 | 31-63 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 8-15 | 13-32 |
| Three-point % | 53 | 41 |
| Free throws | 21-28 | 31-42 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 28 |
| Assists | 13 | 19 |
| Steals | 12 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 28 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 54 | 36 |
| Fouls | 31 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 3 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half72-76Leroy Kelly IV makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-76Cam McDowell makes 2-foot dunk (Jordan Mizell assists)
- 2nd Half74-77Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-78Chris Mpaka makes layup (Cam McDowell assists)
- 2nd Half77-78Chris Mpaka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-80Tanner Hayhurst makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half77-81Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half79-81Jordan Mizell makes layup (Dior Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half81-81Chris Mpaka makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half81-83Jalen Lee makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half83-83Cam McDowell makes layup
- 2nd Half83-84Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-85Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-88Jaiden Feroah makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lorenzo Abellar assists)
- 2nd Half84-88Dior Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-88Dior Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-88Chris Mpaka makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-90Jalen Lee makes layup
- 2nd Half89-90Dior Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half91-90Dior Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half91-91Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-92Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half92-92Cam McDowell makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT92-95Dylan Jones makes 28-foot three point jumper (Lorenzo Abellar assists)
- OT92-96Cale Barclay makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT94-96Kaia Isaac makes layup
- OT96-96Kaia Isaac makes layup
- OT96-98Tanner Hayhurst makes 7-foot jumper
- OT96-99Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT97-99Cam McDowell makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT98-99Cam McDowell makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT100-99Cam McDowell makes layup (Kaia Isaac assists)
- OT100-101Elijah Duval makes layup
- OT102-101Cam McDowell makes layup
- OT102-103Lorenzo Abellar makes layup (Elijah Duval assists)
- OT105-103Cam McDowell makes 25-foot three point jumper
- OT105-104Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT105-105Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT105-106Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Utah Thunderbirds, below favours Tarleton State Texans.
Venue
- America First Events CenterCedar City, UT
- Attendance955
- OfficialsShawn Lehigh, Michael Greenstein, Randal Anders
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